Residents indicated directions for the development of Gdańsk's southern districts.
Well-thought-out access to future PKM stops, more green and recreational areas, and the development of local services and activity centers – these are the most important conclusions from the first stage of social consultations for the Gdańsk Nowe Południe master plan. A report summarizing the so-called pre-consultation stage has just been published, which will become one of the foundations for further work on the urban concept for the areas along the planned PKM Południe line.
The document summarizes the first of four stages of discussions with residents and stakeholders. Their goal was to understand the needs and expectations of people using this part of the city and to indicate directions for its further development.
– PKM Południe is an investment of regional importance, but its success also depends on the quality of the space around the new stops – says Mieczysław Struk, Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship. – That's why it was so important to listen to the voice of the residents right at the beginning of the process. The collected conclusions will be real support for further planning and transport decisions.
Aleksandra Dulkiewicz, Mayor of Gdańsk, emphasizes the importance of this stage for further work:
– We received very concrete material showing how residents use this part of the city today and what they expect in the future. This allows us to plan the development around PKM Południe responsibly, as a project improving the quality of everyday life.
Meetings, workshops, and a survey
The first stage of the participatory process included meetings with residents, discussions with district councils, local institutions, and entrepreneurs, as well as an online geo-survey. The latter enjoyed great interest – 1177 responses were collected, which shows the scale of engagement of residents of Gdańsk's southern districts.
Approximately 85 key stakeholders were also identified in the process. Nine meetings were held, during which, among other things, transport integration, the development of social services and infrastructure, green spaces, and the creation of local activity centers were discussed.
Nearly 200 people participated in four open workshop meetings. The table-based work format allowed for direct conversation and the collection of specific indications regarding individual parts of the area.
Key directions indicated by residents
The report shows that residents perceive PKM Południe as an impulse for a comprehensive improvement of the quality of life, not just a transport project.
The most frequently repeated postulates can be summarized in four main areas:
1. Mobility and transport connections
The priority is convenient and safe access to PKM stops, the development of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and the integration of the railway with bus and tram transport. Residents also emphasize the importance of preserving existing daily routes and good local connections.
2. Greenery and recreation
The need to protect existing green areas and make them more accessible was strongly emphasized. Residents expect new parks, walking routes, and relaxation spaces close to their homes, adapted to different age groups.
3. Local services and district life centers
The need for the development of daily services, gastronomy, social functions, and meeting places was indicated. The creation of multifunctional local centers, especially in the vicinity of future transport hubs, is crucial, as it will reduce the need for daily commutes.
4. Quality of space and good living conditions – as a design challenge
Residents emphasized the importance of high-quality public spaces: safe, well-lit, and convenient for everyday use.
At the same time, they pointed to the need to shape the development of the districts in such a way as to maintain the comfort of living – including an appropriate scale of development, good access to services, limiting excessive car traffic, and minimizing nuisances such as noise.
Report as a basis for subsequent stages
The conclusions from the report will be used in the next stage of work – in the development of a preliminary urban concept for approximately 164 hectares of land along the planned PKM Południe line.
– Pre-consultations showed that residents are very aware of the future of this part of the city – says Michał Jamroż, project manager of Gdańsk Nowe Południe. – They care about well-designed districts: with transport, services, greenery, and living spaces. These are very specific guidelines for us for further design.
This is just the beginning of the process. The project still has three more stages of consultation, during which residents will be able to comment on more detailed development proposals.
The report is available on the website: https://nowepoludnie.pl/konsultacje/
