Until recently, it was regarded as a neglected and bland street. Today, Chmielna in Warsaw’s Śródmieście district surprises us with a new face. It is teeming with greenery, inviting people to stroll along it and becoming a symbol of the city’s transformation for the better. This is not just a facelift, it is a real revolution in the way we think about public space.
The thorough redevelopment of Chmielna is part of the extensive New Centre of Warsaw project, which aims to transform the heart of the capital into a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and friendly place to live. The initiative, launched by Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski, already includes the modernised Bracka and Polna streets, as well as the so-called Pięciu Rogów and Trzech Krzyży squares. Chmielna is another important point on this map of change, alongside the ongoing redevelopment of the area around Zgoda Street.
Chmielna – from a grey promenade to a green oasis
For decades, Chmielna was mainly a transit space – grey, concrete and not very welcoming. The redevelopment of the 1990s quickly grew old, and the needs of the residents changed dramatically during this time. Thanks to the new concept, prepared by the Public Land Management Board of the City of Warsaw in cooperation with the Mazovian Voivodeship Conservator of Monuments, Chmielna has become a fully-fledged urban promenade, serving as a place to meet, relax and commune with nature.
Greenery that makes a difference
The most visible and appreciated element of the metamorphosis is, of course, the greenery, which has flooded the street with freshness with the arrival of spring. Where concrete used to dominate, plane trees, lime trees, elm trees, cherry trees and robin trees now grow. A total of 88 new trees have been planted. In addition, 32 magnificent solitary shrubs and more than 7,500 shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses have been planted, creating rich plant compositions. Thanks to a state-of-the-art drainage system, rainwater goes directly to the roots of the trees and excess water is discharged into the sewer system. This is complemented by an automatic irrigation network that protects the vegetation from the effects of drought.
New quality of urban space
The street space has been given a completely new quality, not only thanks to the greenery. Granite slabs have replaced the worn-out concrete blocks, and the reclaimed material has been used in the pedestrian areas. New benches, bicycle racks, resting platforms, litter bins and stone bollards have appeared to keep traffic flowing. In the evenings, the street is illuminated by modern LED luminaires, including lanterns, plant illumination and subtle lamps suspended over the Bukinista square. The new fountain by the Atlantic cinema also attracts attention.
Chmielna for pedestrians and cyclists
The project was designed with various users in mind, from pedestrians to cyclists to people with disabilities. To this end, the pavements have been widened, with a smooth surface and a clear traffic layout. Parking spaces have also been provided for people with reduced mobility, as well as safety features to prevent parking in unauthorised places.
Thoughtful revitalisation
The modernisation of Chmielna took less than a year and covered an area of almost 10,000 square metres. The investment was carried out by the Balzola consortium. A key part of the preparation was extensive public consultation. In May 2023 alone, seven meetings were held with residents to collect comments and suggestions. It was the residents’ voice that helped shape the final appearance of the street.
A place you want to return to
Today, Chmielna is becoming an example of how thoughtful urban planning and care for greenery can transform the character of an urban street. The promenade is finally conducive to relaxation, meetings and strolls – regardless of the time of day or year. Spring greenery attracts crowds of Varsovians and tourists, and in the warmer months the place has the potential to become one of the capital’s best-loved corners.
Source: Warsaw City Hall
Read also: Squares, Squares, Parks | Warsaw | Greenery | City | whiteMAD on Instagram
Chmielna Street before and after the green metamorphosis. Photo: Google Maps and whiteMAD/Mateusz Markowski
