Capital Park Group launches landmark development in Katowice: New Wełnowiec

The ambitious transformation of a former industrial site in northern Katowice is now underway as Capital Park Group embarks on the development of New Wełnowiec, a groundbreaking mixed-use district spanning 30 hectares. Following the approval of the local zoning plan in September 2024, the project has moved into the implementation phase, aiming to redefine urban living by blending modern architecture, sustainable design, and community-oriented spaces.

Situated on the grounds of the former Silesia Metallurgical Plant, New Wełnowiec will combine residential, commercial, and cultural functions with a strong emphasis on green spaces. Nearly a third of the area—10 hectares—will be devoted to parks, meadows, and recreational zones, including a four-hectare central park. This vision, created by the renowned JEMS Architekci studio, will include approximately 300,000 square meters of above-ground usable floor space, offering homes, retail spaces, restaurants, entertainment venues, and educational facilities.

Sylwia Filewicz, Head of Development at Capital Park Group, highlighted the project’s focus on preserving and integrating the area’s historical elements. “We have received permission to redevelop the historic compressor house on Korfanty Street, which will soon become a landmark of New Wełnowiec. It will not only serve as a presentation and information center for the project but also as a vibrant meeting place for residents and visitors,” Filewicz said.

The compressor house, built in 1905 as part of a zinc smelter complex, will undergo meticulous restoration to reclaim its industrial character. Original architectural details, including brick facades and windows, will be restored, transforming the building into a symbolic bridge between the area’s industrial heritage and its modern future.

Designed with ecological innovation in mind, New Wełnowiec incorporates advanced environmental technologies. The district will feature Poland’s first centralized waste management and rainwater retention system, renewable energy solutions, and green roofs to combat urban heat islands. Its biodiversity-focused green spaces will be tailored to local climate conditions, ensuring harmony between nature and urban development.

“New Wełnowiec is more than a development project; it is a reinvention of urban life,” said Tomasz Napieralski, architect and partner at JEMS Architekci. “We are creating a multigenerational space where nature and architecture coexist seamlessly, inviting residents to live, interact, and thrive in harmony.”

The first stage of construction, covering a central seven-hectare area, will begin with the preparation of detailed designs. This phase will include residential units, service outlets, retail and entertainment spaces, and sections of the central park. Construction work is slated to start in early 2026, following public consultations to incorporate community needs.

Meanwhile, environmental remediation efforts, led by Silesian land reclamation specialist Investeko, will address on-site earth mounds and prepare the land for redevelopment. The project also plans to integrate sustainable infrastructure, including underground traffic systems and electric vehicle charging stations, ensuring minimal disruption to public spaces.

Capital Park Group envisions New Wełnowiec as a vibrant, self-sustaining district that prioritizes community, ecology, and quality of life. With its mix of tradition and modernity, green spaces and architecture, and a focus on inclusivity, the project aims to set a new standard for urban living in Katowice and beyond.