Crabs, hay and retail space

Dutch based ING Real Estate announced its plan to create ,a lively city centre hub, with a big city character," on a 6 hectare site in the heart of Gdańsk's old town. The developer plans to build a PLN 1 bln mixed-use complex comprising a hotel, leisure and entertainment centre, offices and flats. Although the project is currently at the design stage, involvement by the city authorities indicates that the investment has a good chance of success. ING's proposed development is to be built on 2 squares located at the junction of ul. Grunwaldzka and Al. Zwycięstwa with Trakt Królewski (the main Tri-City artery). According to historical reports, people sold crabs and hay on this site, giving the squares their names; Plac Rakowy (Crab Square) and Plac Sienny (Hay Square), hence the name of ING's investment - ,Targ Rakowy Targ Sienny" (Crab and Hay Market). The investor plans to develop 60,000 sqm of retail space, an 8,000 sqm leisure and entertainment centre, 2