Warsaw’s Trzech Krzyży Square is set to undergo another green transformation. This time, the changes will affect the section on the western side of the square, between Hoża and Żurawia Streets. Currently, the area is dominated by a vast car park in front of the Ministry of Development and Technology building. The concrete surface will make way for trees, flowerbeds and new footpaths.
The transformation of this part of the square follows on from work begun three years ago. At that time, 28 large trees were planted there, including lime, hawthorn and pear trees. Some of the trees had been growing in nurseries for over a decade before being planted in the city centre. The planting took place with the participation of children from nearby schools and nurseries, who symbolically adopted the trees. Commemorative plaques were placed next to each one. That transformation sparked a wider debate about the amount of greenery in the city centre and about reducing the space allocated to cars.
For a long time, the problem with Plac Trzech Krzyży was the land belonging to the Ministry of Development and Technology. The city could not carry out work there because the plot remained outside its jurisdiction. However, following discussions with the ministry, an agreement was reached allowing the car park to be redeveloped. As part of this, the concrete paving stones will be removed, including the distinctive ‘teardrop’ shape by the pavement. In their place, a row of lime trees will be planted, echoing the trees growing on the eastern side of the square, near Książęca Street.
The new layout of this section of the space will also feature lawns, perennial beds, flowers and a cotoneaster hedge. Meanwhile, magnolias will be planted by the steps leading to the ministry’s headquarters. Work has already begun and started with the removal of the surface. Next, workers will widen the pedestrian area at the existing crossing, which will make it easier to move around this part of the square. The cost of the project is estimated at around 400,000 zlotys.
Source: Warsaw City Roads Authority
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