Completed investment at the intersection of Chełmońskiego and Ehrenberga Streets
On the site of the former market square, covered with concrete pavement at the intersection of Chełmońskiego and Ehrenberga Streets, the implementation of the LIFE PACT project has been completed. The aim of the project was to implement nature-based solutions that increase the city's resilience to the effects of climate change. The project combined the former character of the place with adaptation measures.
The location was selected after extensive public consultations and analysis of over 70 proposals submitted by residents and district councils. The final choice fell on the degraded space of the former market square – unfriendly to both people and the environment. The participatory process, based on consultations and workshops, was crucial to the shape of the investment, allowing the project to be adapted to the real needs of users.
The residents of the Prądnik Biały district, together with designers and city representatives, identified the following priorities: greenery, recreational areas, functional infrastructure and reducing the urban heat island effect. As a result, the area was divided into three main zones:
- Three freestanding shelters with green roofs – serve as places for trade, neighbourhood meetings and shelter from the rain. Green roofs not only improve aesthetics, but also increase biologically active surface area and support water retention.
- Relaxation area – equipped with benches with backrests for seniors, concrete seats for young people and relaxation areas under shelters. In addition, litter bins, an information board, solar lighting and CCTV have been installed, which increases safety after dark.
- Rain garden – a specially designed basin that collects and filters rainwater from paved surfaces. Thanks to layers of gravel, sand and soil, water is retained and gradually seeps into the ground, reducing the risk of flooding and improving the microclimate. The garden also serves an educational function, demonstrating how to manage water rationally in the city.
The selection of plants took into account their resistance to urban conditions. Species that do not require intensive care and retain their attractive appearance throughout the year were planted. The vegetation serves many functions: it filters the air, lowers the temperature, increases biodiversity and improves water retention.
The implementation of the project has significantly improved the quality of life of residents. Replacing concrete with greenery and creating recreational infrastructure promotes integration, relaxation and outdoor activities. Rain gardens and green roofs increase the city's resilience to heavy rainfall and reduce the urban heat island effect.
Conceptual and implementation work was carried out using an iterative model, taking into account recommendations from the consultation process, which allowed for ongoing changes to be made. Residents particularly emphasised the need to increase safety and comfort through lighting, monitoring and durable, vandal-proof street furniture. There was consensus among stakeholders on the choice of greenery with pro-ecological properties and low allergenic potential, as well as the implementation of retention solutions and measures to reduce the heat island effect.
The project implementation model – based on cooperation with residents and municipal technical units – promotes social acceptance and effective implementation of adaptation measures. The solutions applied have the potential to be replicated in other parts of Krakow, enabling the implementation of nature-based solutions in a systematic manner tailored to local needs. The investment is an example of a successful combination of the former character of the place with climate action.
