The railway station in Wałcz is to be refurbished. It has been waiting for this for 26 years

The historic railway station in Wałcz has been awaiting a comprehensive refurbishment since 2000. It was at that time that it was abandoned and its slow decline began. Now there is a real chance of saving the building. PKP has signed a contract to draw up a modernisation plan, and work is due to start in the second half of 2027.

The Wałcz railway station, built in 1903

The railway reached Wałcz in 1881, when the town was connected to Piła. Initially, travellers were served by a temporary station. The current building was erected in 1903, whilst the station as a whole was extended over the years. The brick building stands out for its architecture, which draws on Dutch Mannerism. Owing to its historical and aesthetic value, it has been listed as a historic monument. For nearly 100 years, it served local residents and railway staff, but everything changed following the political transformation. The importance of local rail services began to decline rapidly at that time. In 2000, regular passenger services on the route via Wałcz were suspended, which ultimately sealed the fate of the entire station. The building lost its primary function and was gradually taken out of use – which led to a deterioration in its technical condition.

A 26-year wait for renovation

Paradoxically, the railway returned to Wałcz sooner than life returned to the historic station building. Following the renovation of Line 403, passenger services were restored in 2012; however, the historic building remained unused. The long-standing lack of proper use and renovation took its toll on its technical condition. Among other things, parts of the roof truss were damaged, and the building also requires comprehensive modernisation of its services, replacement of the joinery and restoration of the brick façade. Hopes for these works to be carried out arose in 2023, when Wałcz station was included on the core list of the new edition of the Railway Station Investment Programme for 2024–2030. In July this year, PKP signed a contract with the architectural practice ARCHMO Mołdzyński Pracownia Projektowa, which will prepare the full project documentation.

Wałcz railway station to regain its former appearance

The renovation will be carried out under the supervision of the conservator of historic monuments. First, the damaged sections of the roof truss will be replaced, the roof will be insulated, and new installations will be fitted inside. The replaced window and door frames are to retain their historical forms so as not to alter the character of the building. The brick façade will also be restored – after years of neglect, it will finally reveal its original beauty. Furthermore, one of the project’s priorities will be the removal of architectural barriers. The station will become accessible to people with disabilities, older people and parents with children. Surveillance and security systems will also be installed, along with energy-saving measures.

The waiting room, museum and new space in front of the station

Following the refurbishment, the ground floor will once again serve as a passenger service area. It will feature a waiting area with benches and a passenger information system, as well as public toilets adapted for people with reduced mobility. Some of the premises, however, will be available for rent. Interestingly, the historic building will also house a small museum. Wałcz Town Council is considering using part of the station for the Wałcz Region Museum. As part of the renovation, the building’s surroundings will also be transformed. New pavements, a cycle shelter and parking spaces – including spaces for people with disabilities – will be created. Construction work is due to begin in the second half of 2027. Once completed, the historic station will once again fulfil its original function, whilst also offering a range of services and attractions for local residents.

Source: kurier-kolejowy.pl, pkp.pl

See also:Architecture in Poland|Railway station|Historic monument |Renovation