A large industrial centre in the historic region of Lower Silesia, Wrocław is the fourth largest city in Poland, with a population of more than 640 000. Located along the Oder River, Wrocław is close to Germany and the Czech Republic. Steeped in history, this city is well-known for its market square of cobbled streets lined with elegant townhouses and landmarks. Wrocław is working hard to build on this precious cultural centre, with booming education and technology sectors.

But some quarters of Wrocław are struggling to keep up with fast-paced growth and the challenges imposed on society. One such area is Społeczny Square. A multilevel hub made up of streets and underpasses, the junction once played a strategic role in the national road network but its position has declined following the completion of a new major ring road. This left behind a sizeable undeveloped area in the heart of the city. But it also opened up a big opportunity.

The city of Wrocław asked the European Investment Advisory Hub to help plan a major development project. In addition to identifying the project’s characteristics and timeline, EIB experts helped the city estimate project costs and design a roadmap. Using experience from similar projects completed in cities across Europe and analysing state-of-the-art urban rehabilitation principles, the EIB and external experts offered insight to guide the city’s next steps.

The project will transform this run-down area into a flourishing quarter where residents and workers can thrive. The vision is for this vast 30-hectare area will become a multifunctional, modern district of the future. It will be a comfortable place to live and work, designed so that people have everything they need within a 15-minute walk or cycle. Sustainable public transport to other neighbourhoods will also be provided. Green city principles will be followed, including green rooftops, vertical greenery, rainwater collection and passive construction. The goal is to accelerate Wrocław’s transformation into a smart, sustainable and climate-neutral city.