POLAND Liebrecht & Wood to revitalise Praga again

A mixed-use complex is to be developed on the site on ul. Kijowska, which will comprise 42,000 sqm of office space and more than 7,500 sqm of retail, services and event space.

The former Warsaw Wire, Pin and Nail Factory (Drucianka), also known as the Belgian Wire Factory in Warsaw, was built in 1899 according to a design by a Polish architect Kazimierz Loewe, and operated under its various names for 101 years until 2000. The existing site includes a complex of one- and two-storey factory buildings from the early 20th century, listed as historical monuments. The buildings with the greatest historical value are examples of neo-Gothic industrial architecture.

Liebrecht & Wood was also responsible for the Koneser revitalisation project of a former vodka distillery in Praga-Północ, which it last year put on the market.

The industrial character of Warsaw’s Praga district offers superb potential for creating exceptional places. This is where we are going to develop our next revitalisation project – Drucianka Campus. The commercial success of Centrum Praskie Koneser demonstrates that it is a destination often chosen by Polish and international companies looking for original and friendly office space to stimulate the creativity, talent development and integration of their employees. The experience of the pandemic has shown that business thrives most in office space that not only provides a place to work, but also takes into account other needs of the employees. Drucianka Campus is a mixed-use new-generation project. It offers not only modern class A office space complemented by commercial and service functions, but also addresses the well-being and quality of life of the entire community centred around it, including in neighbouring residential projects. Historical buildings are going to be restored and accompanied by modern, light architecture, and the entire factory site is going to be transformed into a visually appealing space with a great deal of greenery and places to relax.
Magdalena Bartkiewicz-Podoba, the CEO of Liebrecht & Wood in Poland

The architectural design has been prepared by Juvenes Projekt (led by architects Jacek Świderski and Krzysztof Matwiejuk). BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ certification is to be aimed for the complex. The development will comprise three six-storey office buildings with the old buildings adapted to their new functions. Green squares and pedestrian routes are to be created, along with restaurant gardens and places for recreation and open-air events.

Work has already begun to secure the buildings and to clean and restore the brickwork. The construction of the diaphragm wall of the underground car park is also about to begin as well as the earthwork. The project is to be carried out under the construction management formula, which involves selecting specialist companies for specific construction tasks.

Drucianka Campus will take around two and half years to complete, with the total cost of the project coming to almost EUR 150 mln.