NO FUNDS FOR SZKOLNE ESTATE COURTYARD REVITALIZATION THIS YEAR; WORKS SET FOR 2028–2029 AT EARLIEST

The comprehensive redevelopment of the courtyard between buildings 1–5 on Osiedle Szkolne in Nowa Huta faces delays, with city funds for project documentation yet to be secured.

Uncertain Financing for the Project

The courtyard between buildings nos. 1–5 in the Szkolne estate in Nowa Huta has a chance for a comprehensive redevelopment. First, however, the city must find money to prepare documentation, the cost of which is already estimated at around PLN 100,000. If funds are secured in next year’s budget, the project could be created in 2027, and construction work could start in 2028–2029.

The area between the blocks on the Szkolne estate has been waiting for cleanup for years. This primarily concerns plots no. 43/1 and 43/2 within precinct 45 Nowa Huta, located between buildings nos. 2–5. The space was entered into the Municipal Revitalization Program of the City of Kraków as part of the “Let’s meet in the courtyard 2.0” venture. The program assumes the renewal of old Nowa Huta building block interiors together with residents.

However, the mere entry into the municipal program does not mean that the investment has secured funding. The task was not included in either Kraków’s 2026 budget or the Long-Term Financial Forecast.

– Due to the task not being included in the Budget of the City of Kraków for 2026, its implementation this year is not possible – states Stanisław Kracik.

First Attempt Ended in Tender Cancellation

The city tried to start preparations for the investment earlier. The 2024 budget included a task regarding the courtyard between buildings nos. 2–5. At that time, the commissioning of project documentation was planned. However, the procedure did not end with the signing of a contract because the submitted offers exceeded the city’s financial capabilities. The tender was canceled.

It was initially assumed that the preparation of documentation would cost about PLN 70,000. However, this was a calculation made back in 2024. Currently, the city estimates the cost of the complete project at about PLN 100,000 gross.

The increase in the amount is influenced by the prices of design services, the scope of planned work, and the necessity to obtain formal and conservation approvals. The final value will be known only after conducting a new public procurement procedure.

– Currently, the estimated cost of preparing the full design and cost estimate documentation along with the required formal and legal arrangements amounts to about PLN 100,000 gross – informs Stanisław Kracik.

Project in 2027, Construction in 2028–2029

Key decisions are to be made during the preparation of Kraków’s budget for 2027 and the subsequent Long-Term Financial Forecast. If the city secures the money, design and cost estimate documentation along with required arrangements and administrative decisions will be created in the first stage. Only later will it be possible to start construction work.

– Assuming the securing of financial funds, it would be possible to draw up documentation in 2027, and then carry out construction works in the years 2028–2029 – points out Stanisław Kracik.

The Municipal Greenery Board would be responsible for carrying out the investment. The entity deals with the design, modernization, and revitalization of municipal green areas, and can also act as an investor in this type of venture.

The city allows for dividing the task into stages: first financing the documentation, and then securing funds for the execution of works. However, such a solution carries a risk. The break between the preparation of the project and the start of construction may mean price increases, the need to update cost estimates, re-obtaining some approvals, and even changing the documentation.

Therefore, the optimal solution would be to simultaneously allocate money for the project in the 2027 budget and introduce financing for the works into the Long-Term Financial Forecast for subsequent years.

More Than Just Benches and New Greenery

The planned revitalization is not to be limited to placing a few benches or making new plantings. The city announces a comprehensive approach, including the development of the entire area, organizing communication inside the courtyard, renewing greenery, installing small architecture, and modernizing technical infrastructure.

The scope of needs has already been preliminarily determined during work on the Municipal Revitalization Program. Comments from residents and informal groups operating in the Szkolne estate were taken into account.

– The revitalization of the courtyard should be carried out in a comprehensive manner, including area development, greenery, communication, small architecture, and technical infrastructure – emphasizes Stanisław Kracik.

An important element of the process will also be arrangements with the Municipal Conservator of Monuments. The Szkolne estate is part of the historical urban layout of Nowa Huta, which is why the project must take into account not only the needs of residents, but also the protection of the spatial and architectural values of this area.

Residents Demand Their Courtyard

Residents’ efforts, including a petition submitted by them, are to be taken into account when determining the order of municipal investments. However, this does not mean an automatic guarantee of money. The final decision will depend on Kraków’s financial situation and forecasts regarding future revenues and expenditures.

– The involvement of residents and the submitted petition constitute an important voice regarding the future of the space on the Szkolne estate – notes Stanisław Kracik.

If the investment is entered into the budget, the city also intends to analyze the possibility of obtaining external funding. However, this will only be possible when programs corresponding to the scope of the planned revitalization appear.

Until the comprehensive redevelopment begins, smaller undertakings are being implemented. In 2023, the Jordan garden in another part of the estate was modernized. A year later, as part of the “Flowery Courtyard – Neighborly Planting Action” program, activities were carried out between buildings nos. 11–13 and 13–15. The city is also verifying another application from residents submitted under the local initiative.

Smaller works can improve the aesthetics and functionality of the immediate surroundings, but – as Kraków authorities admit – they will not replace the full revitalization of the courtyard between blocks nos. 1–5. The earliest realistic scenario assumes the preparation of the project in 2027 and conducting works in the years 2028–2029. However, the condition remains finding the money and entering the investment into municipal financial documents.