Mariusz Ferenc, Chairman of the Management Board of Polbruk S.A.: The current regulations under the Act of 9 October 2015 on revitalisation govern matters relating to municipal revitalisation programmes, streamline administrative procedures and facilitate the awarding of renovation grants. However, revitalisation is not understood here as the modernisation of a building, but rather as a set of measures aimed at fully restoring a specific area to life.
A comprehensive process of change – encompassing not only spatial but also social aspects – is far more demanding than the technical restoration of a degraded area or property. This is a challenge that must be faced, first and foremost, by representatives of local authorities, cities and urban planners. Implementing comprehensive changes will require all parties involved to work in partnership and coordinate their actions, which should be accompanied by public consultation and an assessment of the expectations and potential of the area in question.
As a result, the transformation process may take slightly longer, but it will certainly be more effective and satisfactory for all stakeholders. The findings also point the way forward for the development of architecture and urban planning – this should be carried out in close cooperation with the local community. What is more, brownfield developments (rather than greenfield ones) are a priority, meaning that all marginalised areas and buildings within the urban fabric will be reused and given new functions. Many urban planners and developers support this, as projects of this type usually require far less expenditure on the development of additional infrastructure – streets, junctions, etc.
On a macro scale, this will have an impact on economic development, the return of people to cities and their greater involvement in the development of the spaces in which they live, as well as an improvement in the quality of life itself. How does all this look from the perspective of a leading manufacturer of concrete paving blocks and road elements? For us, it is an incentive to cooperate even more closely with local authorities and urban planners. An opportunity to participate in a major programme of spatial transformation and to learn from best practices based on the experiences of cities and teams that have successfully implemented and are currently running regeneration programmes.
We are aware that initiatives aimed at regeneration must be accompanied by the modernisation of transport routes, squares, green spaces, and the development of recreational and service areas. Products from Polbruk – paving elements and their integral components such as kerbs, edging and low walls – can be utilised across all these works. What is even more encouraging is that we ourselves and the communities in which we live will benefit the most from this.
After all, each of us is personally affected by the legislation and should take the opportunity to participate in the development of the place where we live or spend our free time.
