The bus station at 3 Maja Street in Gdańsk has been an object of interest for residents, city authorities and developers for many years. The modernist building is an example of good post-war architecture which, through neglect, has lost its former charm, functionality and significance. In recent weeks, the atmosphere around the building has become extremely tense. On the one hand, a collection of signatures is underway to stop its demolition, while on the other, the question of the future of the development in this part of Gdańsk has long been in the news.
PKS station in Gdansk – dispute over the future
In the midst of all the fuss about plans to demolish the modernist landmark, an electronic petition was launched under the slogan “Let’s save the PKS station in Gdańsk!”. The author of the initiative, Jędrzej Włodarczyk, demands in it that the work be halted and that a dialogue with the residents be initiated. According to the signatories, the building has a unique value, but a large group of people see it primarily as a degraded and unfriendly part of the city. Many travellers and local residents have been stressing for years that the current appearance creates a negative impression and does not harmonise with the surroundings. For in the vicinity of the bus station stands the railway station, which has recently undergone a spectacular metamorphosis. The situation of the former seems particularly complex. Some see the station as an important reference point for post-war Gdańsk. Others see it as something unattractive, dominating the neighbouring streets by its massive bulk. There are opinions that, due to long-standing neglect, the building no longer fulfils the function for which it was designed.
Demolition of Gdansk bus station and new plans
In mid-November this year, the owner of the site presented a project to replace the station complex with a new building with services and a public square. At the same time, the office received an application for permission to demolish the subject of the dispute. In response to this document, there were immediate reactions from the public and urban activists, according to whom the removal of the building would be a mistake and an irreparable and huge loss for Gdańsk. However, those in favour of demolition express the opposite opinion and claim that the current block should make way for an investment that will bring order to this part of the city centre.
Gdańsk Bus Station – history
Gdańsk’s first bus station operated on Targ Sienny as early as 1912. Another facility was built there in the 1950s. When the space became too small, it was decided to move it to the area of today’s 3 Maja Street. The design of the new station complex was realised in the 1960s and early 1970s under the direction of Bernard Cofta. It was a time of expansion of the transport infrastructure and the new station was distinguished by its size and solutions to improve the handling of large numbers of passengers. The connection to the neighbouring railway station was provided by a tunnel equipped with the first escalator in the city. The functional layout was planned so that travellers did not have to walk across the concourse. The interiors of the building were finished in stone and wood, and the whole was dominated by a glass block supported by steel elements.
Further fate of PKS Gdańsk
With the privatisation of PKS Gdańsk, the building passed into the hands of other entities. In 2012, it was taken over by PB Górski, which announced a new development here with office, service and hotel functions and an underground bus terminal. Over time, the neglected building lost its importance and its technical condition deteriorated. The following years did not bring the expected changes, which reinforced the widespread conviction that decisive action was needed.
A voice in defence of the modernist heritage
Those in favour of preserving the station recall its role in the history of post-war Gdansk. They point out that it was a lack of care, and not the architectural concept itself, that led to today’s problems. In the opinion of this group, the building has potential that could be used to change its function. Suggestions are made for the creation of a gallery, a meeting place, a cultural venue or a space for community organisations. The conservation community warns against hasty demolition and recalls that many similar buildings have been successfully restored in other cities. In their view, Gdańsk can benefit from this experience of successfully modernising buildings from the 1960s and 1970s.
Gdansk bus station and its future
The discussion about the station at 3 Maja Street highlights the differences in opinion regarding the right direction for the city. Is it a good idea to radically change and replace the building with a new one? Or should the building be renovated and its modernist character and elements, such as the inscription “DWORZEC PKS”, be preserved? It remains to be seen whether Jędrzej Włodarczyk’s postulates will be taken into account, and whether the investor will decide to continue with the current plans. However, there is no doubt that this is an important public debate about our sensitivity to urban heritage and residents’ expectations of public spaces.
Loading ...EDIT.
As reported by “Gazeta Wyborcza”, the developer, under pressure from the media and the public, withdrew from the idea of demolishing the station. What is more, there has been an application to enter the building in the register of historical monuments. The situation is developing, we will follow it.
Source: trojmiasto.pl, petycjeonline.com
Read also: Gdańsk | Modernism | Curiosities | Technology | History | whiteMAD on Instagram
The bus station in 1974 and 2023. Source: Przemysław Szafer, ‘Nowa Architektura Polska 1971-1976’ and Panek/Wikimedia Commons
