A development long awaited by the residents of Poznań is finally getting underway. Eiffage will redevelop the site of the old depot in Jeżyce.
Today – empty, undeveloped spaces. But very soon – a new, vibrant hub on the map of Poznań, featuring comfortable flats and a wide range of amenities. This is how the site of the former tram depot on Gajowa Street in Jeżyce will be transformed. French developer Eiffage is launching its project here, which will blend modern architecture with the city’s historic fabric and give it a whole new dimension.
The site on Gajowa Street was the oldest tram depot in Poznań. It operated for 130 years, until 2010, when the last tram left the depot. For several years now, the site has stood empty and unused, despite its central location. It takes just 5 minutes to get to the main station from here, and 10 minutes to reach Poznań’s Old Market Square. The area has excellent transport links, thanks to numerous bus and tram stops. The Old Zoo is right next door, and the surrounding area is home to restaurants, cafés, shops and other amenities.
This situation is set to change thanks to an investment by Eiffage, which will construct two residential buildings on the site and revitalise the former depot building and its accompanying historic structures.
– We have taken a unique approach to the Depot project. We know how important this area is – both for the city and its residents. At Eiffage, we specialise in well-thought-out developments that densify and complement the urban fabric, but always with respect for what we find in a given location,” says Tymon Nowosielski, CEO of Eiffage Immobilier Polska. – This time, the flats will be merely an addition. The main focus of the project will be to create a place on the map of the capital of Greater Poland that will become popular with both city residents and tourists. In the very heart of the rapidly changing Jeżyce district, we will offer a place that is simply worth visiting. In doing so, we draw on its rich history – by cherishing its heritage, we want to transform it into something new,” adds Tymon Nowosielski.
A new, trendy hotspot on the map of Poznań
The key element of Eiffage’s development will be the restoration of the old depot building for the residents of Poznań.
A modern space will be created here, where there will be something for everyone. In total, this will amount to over 5,300 sq m of usable floor space. The developer has planned premises here for restaurants, food outlets and boutique shops. A food hall will also be built inside. Part of the building’s space will be allocated to comfortable offices. Eiffage will also revitalise two historic buildings located on the same plot.
– When designing within such a unique and delicate urban fabric as Poznań’s Jeżyce district, it is crucial to respect the context and history of the place. The site of the former tram depot on Gajowa Street is an extremely valuable area – both from an urban planning perspective and in terms of the local community’s memory. Our aim was to create a space that would blend naturally into the Jeżyce landscape, whilst at the same time opening up this part of the city
to residents,” says architect Łukasz Ekwiński from the Demiurg studio, which is responsible for the project.
Apartments at the heart of the action
The first building to be constructed as part of the development will be the residential block designated ‘B’. The communal areas will feature elegant flooring, steel balustrades and LED lighting. The building entrances will be finished with modern fittings, glazing and decorative elements. The windows in the flats will be wooden or aluminium, and the entrance doors will be soundproof and feature a higher burglary resistance rating. The building will be equipped with quiet lifts from reputable manufacturers. Outside, there will be green spaces and street furniture, including bicycle racks, and the building’s roof will be covered with extensive vegetation. The whole development will create a refined space that combines urban living with comfort and privacy.
Prospective buyers will be able to choose from almost 230 properties, ranging from studio flats to five-room apartments.
– The new residential development has been designed to coexist harmoniously with the historic depot buildings. The entrance plaza on Gajowa Street is being transformed into a green public space, the layout of which is defined by the former track layout – an element inextricably linked to the site’s past. Reducing the paved areas in favour of greenery improves the microclimate and aesthetics, whilst enriching the space socially and ecologically,” adds architect Łukasz Ekwiński.
The Depot concept draws on the growing trend of revitalising post-industrial spaces located in the central districts of major cities. In this way, residents gain a trendy place for meeting and relaxation in their immediate neighbourhood, whilst preserving historic buildings and respecting the history of the site.