New Wełnowiec earns BREEAM Communities Interim Certification

The Nowy Wełnowiec mixed-use ecological district, developed by Capital Park Group on a 30-hectare site in Katowice, has been awarded the BREEAM Communities Interim certification. It is the first large-scale mixed-use project in Poland to achieve this pre-certification, marking a milestone in sustainable urban development in the country.

The BREEAM Communities certification is among the most prestigious and rigorous global standards for sustainable urban projects. The Interim certificate is granted during the design phase, with a Final certification to follow upon project completion. Nowy Wełnowiec is aiming for a BREEAM Excellent rating, signifying its commitment to environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

“This is not just an investment project—it is a forward-thinking urban concept that aligns with the future of Polish cities,” said Sylwia Filewicz, Head of Development at Capital Park Group. “We are proud that our approach to sustainable, community-focused urban planning has been recognized with the BREEAM Communities Interim certification. This motivates us to continue creating spaces that are both environmentally friendly and beneficial to local residents.”

Nowy Wełnowiec is being developed on the revitalized site of the former Silesia Metallurgical Plant, located between Wojciech Korfanty Avenue and Konduktorska Street. The district is designed as a car-free public space, with all traffic relocated underground to level -1, allowing for extensive greenery, parks, and pedestrian-friendly areas.

The masterplan envisions 300,000 sq. m of above-ground development, with a majority allocated for residential use. The district will also feature restaurants, retail spaces, entertainment venues, services, education, and cultural institutions. Approximately 10 hectares will be dedicated to green spaces, including a four-hectare central park, plazas, flower meadows, woodlands, and ponds. Underground parking and electric vehicle charging stations will also be incorporated, along with extensive infrastructure for cyclists.

Nowy Wełnowiec has been designed to address contemporary social and environmental challenges, with advanced technologies to reduce the ecological impact of buildings. The project will feature Poland’s first centralized waste management and rainwater retention system, renewable energy sources, green roofs and terraces to mitigate the urban heat island effect, and biodiverse landscaping adapted to local climate conditions.

One of the key aspects of Nowy Wełnowiec’s development is community involvement. The project has been shaped through consultation meetings with residents, ensuring that urban planning solutions align with local expectations and everyday needs. The developer plans to continue engaging with residents through regular initiatives, fostering long-term community participation in shaping the district.

The first phase of construction, covering 7 hectares, is currently in the planning stage. This phase will include residential buildings, commercial spaces, restaurants, retail outlets, entertainment zones, and a portion of the central park. Construction is expected to begin in 2026. Additionally, the renovation of the historic compressor house, a landmark structure within the district, will commence in 2025 and is scheduled for completion in 2026.

The Nowy Wełnowiec concept was designed by JEMS Architects, while Sweco Poland oversaw the BREEAM certification process. With BREEAM Communities Interim certification now secured, the project sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban development in Poland, aiming to deliver a modern, eco-conscious, and community-driven neighborhood in Katowice.