On Monday, the rebuilding process started of the former porcelain factory in Katowice. The works are being carried out within the creation of the “Porcelana Śląska” (Silesian Porcelain) Industrial and Technology Park.
“We move from planning to the implementation stage. We took over the area in the middle of this year and now we are starting the long-awaited redevelopment. The effect will be seen in about one year. In the future, remaining buildings of the former factory will also be refurbished within the undertaking” – said Rafał Wyszyński, president of the Giesche Foundation.
The whole area of the former factory embraces fifteen buildings and covers approximately 20 000 sq. meters. The first stage of the redevelopment includes two facilities: an office building of the former factory’s management and a so called stable turned into a warehouse in recent years. Both buildings will be fully refurbished.
The office facility, raised in the 80s of the last century, will get a new charcoal elevation, vertical windows and a long, white corridor crossing the interior. It will be the only building of the park of which the elevation is not covered by bricks. The stable, a brick building erected at the beginning of the 20th century, will be turned into a seat of the Giesche Foundation, which manages the area and is responsible for the creation of the park.
The both buildings, approximately 100 parking places and green spaces cover the total area of 8 787 sq. meters. The architectural project of the investment was prepared by two studios from Katowice: TTAT and SXL.
After the redevelopment process, in June 2015, it will be possible to make use of creative workshops, IT research laboratory, design and modeling laboratory as well as Design Center and Mobility Center. The foundation carries out the project in the cooperation with the University of Economics in Katowice, Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice and the Katowice branch of University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
The investment is co-financed by the European Union funds. The total cost the fore-mentioned project amounts to PLN 7,86 million, while the EU support exceeds PLN 3,95 million.
The “Porcelana Śląska” Industrial and Technology Park is located at 23 Porcelanowa St. “Porcelana Śląska” is a famous brand of porcelain produced in Upper Silesia. Its history dates back to the eighties of the 19th century.
