The “Kraków – Nowa Huta of the Future” project is the result of thoughtful consideration of the future of Kraków – a city with immense potential, yet constrained by a limited supply of investment-ready land and the need to reclaim former industrial areas.
In the 1950s, the Nowa Huta district was developed around a newly built metallurgical complex. Today, Nowa Huta is the largest district of Kraków, covering an area of 65 km² – twelve times the size of the Old Town district. The gradual reduction in the activity of the steelworks over the past two decades, along with the elimination of its protective zone, has created opportunities for revitalizing a vast and exceptionally well-located area. Due to the scale of the undertaking—comprising over 15% of Kraków’s total area and 80% of Nowa Huta’s—local and regional authorities joined forces to take on this challenge. In 2012, the concept of the “Kraków – Nowa Huta of the Future” project was introduced, with the first step being an international urban planning competition. One of the project’s primary goals was the revitalization of post-industrial areas, which were unattractive to private investors due to the complexity and costs associated with redevelopment. Unlocking the economic potential of this area required a comprehensive and costly public intervention, including clarification of property ownership, removal of outdated industrial infrastructure, and preparation of utilities for future investors. These efforts were made possible by access to funding from European Union programs. As a result, Kraków Nowa Huta Przyszłości S.A. [KNHP S.A.] was established on March 6, 2015.
The company’s mission is not only to revitalize post-industrial lands but also to highlight the strengths of the Małopolska Region, Kraków, and the Nowa Huta district, which has been steadily narrowing the development gap that separated it from the city center for over 75 years. This challenge is particularly pressing as major Polish cities are now experiencing unprecedented growth. The company’s statutory objective was therefore defined as follows: “To promote Kraków – the capital of the Małopolska Region – and its functional area, particularly the former Nowa Huta district, within the framework of the Kraków – Nowa Huta of the Future project, as a place suitable for the location and operation of industrial and industry-related investments, thereby creating conditions for economic revitalization and strategic business development for Kraków and the region. The project also aims to ensure the sustainable development of Nowa Huta and the city as a whole, revitalizing local markets, especially the labor market, and counteracting unemployment.”
In 2016, the KNHP S.A. team, together with external experts, prepared the project’s Master Plan, outlining the planned actions through to 2030.
Best Practices
During the preparation of the Master Plan, KNHP S.A. reviewed revitalization initiatives from across Poland—including the New Centre of Łódź—and drew inspiration from successful European projects such as Belval in Luxembourg, Seraing Valley in Belgium, and the UK’s Birmingham Big City Plan and Sheffield City Centre project. The Kraków initiative was defined by the integration of several key elements: a diagnosis of investor needs, partnership collaboration, comprehensive investor services, and effective coordination. A distinguishing feature of “Kraków – Nowa Huta of the Future” is its combination of a highly promising redevelopment area with Kraków’s unique scientific and academic potential. As of Q1 2024, Małopolska boasts the highest R&D expenditure as a percentage of GDP in Poland (2.56%), which provides a solid foundation for the growth of high-tech industries capable of competing on a global scale.
A flagship initiative within this strategy is the “Branice” Science and Technology Park with an Economic Activity Zone, designed to stimulate economic growth and facilitate the transfer of knowledge from research institutions to businesses.
Building Capital
At the time of its founding, KNHP S.A. had a share capital of PLN 1.428 million and did not own any land. By 2024, its capital had increased to PLN 109.942 million, and its scope of activity had expanded to 734 hectares. This growth is the result of successive in-kind contributions from the Municipality of Kraków (in the form of real estate), capital injections, self-financed land acquisitions, and the gradual commercialization of developed investment sites.
Transport Backbone
The backbone of the “Kraków – Nowa Huta of the Future” strategic project is the Igołomska Street corridor, which was redeveloped between 2017 and 2022. This route connects the investment area with the S7 expressway and A4 motorway, regional rail services, and a certified airfield in nearby Pobiednik Wielki.
Partnership Projects
Since its inception, the company has actively initiated and participated in partnership projects. Between 2016 and 2023, it coordinated three partnership projects with leading business support institutions, promoting Kraków and Małopolska as attractive investment locations:
- Power up your Business in Małopolska
- Krakow Metropolitan Area for Business
- Krakow Metropolitan Area for Business 2
These projects were co-financed by the European Funds under the Małopolska Regional Operational Programme for 2014–2020.
Project Components
KNHP S.A. engages in a broad range of activities that contribute not only to economic and scientific growth, but also to the overall quality of life for Kraków residents. The “Kraków – Nowa Huta of the Future” project currently consists of five key components, each at various stages of implementation:
- “Przylasek Rusiecki” Recreation and Leisure Centre
Covering an area of 28 hectares, the “Przylasek Rusiecki” Recreation and Leisure Centre was opened to the public in 2021. The cost of developing this new recreational space for Kraków amounted to PLN 18.41 million, of which PLN 5.26 million was co-financed by the European Union. Surrounding the largest reservoir of the former gravel mine, sanitary facilities, gastronomic zones, beach volleyball courts, a playground, and a floating swimming pool were constructed. The site is equipped with hammocks, sun loungers, umbrellas, water sports equipment, and nearly one kilometre of scenic walking piers. The longest pier leads from the parking area—which includes an electric vehicle charging station—to the expanded beach, which required the delivery of 7,000 tons of sand.
The “Przylasek Rusiecki” Recreation and Leisure Centre has quickly become one of the most popular destinations for relaxation and outdoor activities in Kraków. During the summer season, it welcomes thousands of visitors. The remaining 13 water bodies in the area are being prepared for transformation into a river park.
Kraków Nowa Huta Przyszłości S.A. carries out its projects with respect for the natural environment and continues to expand its ecological initiatives, including the installation of renewable energy sources. At the end of 2023, the Ministry of Climate and Environment announced the allocation of over PLN 12 million to the Municipality of Kraków for the execution of a geothermal research borehole near Przylasek Rusiecki. This project will determine the current temperature, physicochemical composition, and efficiency of a deposit that was initially studied in the 1960s. The goal is to assess the potential for using underground thermal energy for economic and recreational purposes. KNHP S.A. has already prepared 5.5 hectares of land in the area for future investments.
On the outskirts of the “Przylasek Rusiecki” Centre, an open-air museum of wooden architecture is also under development—dedicated to the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Western Krakowiaks. Currently, the process of relocating four buildings to the emerging “Branice” Educational Park is underway, along with the collection of artefacts that will be included in future exhibitions. Ultimately, the facility will feature 11 homesteads, an inn, a religious building, and a modern exhibition and educational pavilion designed to reflect traditional architecture.
- “Błonia 2.0” – Large-Scale Outdoor Cultural Events Centre
This attractive space is designed for the organisation of cultural and sporting events. It complements the recreational offer of Przylasek Rusiecki, with its name and conceptual inspiration drawn from Kraków’s central Błonia meadows. The area is highly fragmented in terms of ownership, which has prolonged the land acquisition process. To date, KNHP S.A. has secured rights to over 60% of the target area and continues efforts to acquire additional land for the project.
- “Branice” Science and Technology Park
KNHP S.A.’s operations in this area are carried out in three main formats:
- Development and commercialisation of medium-sized investment plots (up to 7 hectares) for investors. Between 2015 and 2023, more than 20 hectares were developed in this manner.
- Establishment of the “Nowa Huta of the Future” Economic Activity Zone, dedicated to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.
- Active support for businesses operating within the “Branice” Science and Technology Park.
The development of the “Branice” Science and Technology Park involves land consolidation, resolving ownership issues, advanced revitalisation of degraded land, and infrastructure construction. The Economic Activity Zone (EAZ), covering 33 hectares, consists of two sub-areas and 35 interconnected, partially serviced investment plots. The zone also features green relaxation areas, parking with EV charging stations, lighting, and urban furniture. It supports the development of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses across various sectors.
The total cost of constructing the “Nowa Huta of the Future” EAZ exceeded PLN 92 million, with PLN 59.3 million sourced from EU funds obtained by KNHP S.A. The company’s achievements have been recognised with the awarding of the 2023 “Top Municipal Investment” title to the EAZ. All available plots were sold or leased within one year, confirming the success of establishing this business zone in eastern Kraków.
- “Ruszcza” Logistics and Industrial Centre
Half of this area was previously indirectly related to metallurgical production, while the rest comprised fragmented land from the former protective zone of the industrial complex, mostly used for agricultural purposes and held by private owners. KNHP S.A. began land acquisition efforts through cooperation with ArcelorMittal Poland S.A. The KNHP Capital Group has acquired nearly 140 hectares for the “Ruszcza” Logistics and Industrial Centre. The first areas were allocated for development in 2024 in partnership with a private investor, aiming to create an intermodal logistics centre. Additional properties are being secured, and investment activity is already underway on an area of nearly 48 hectares, with private capital involvement.
- Residential Development
Complementing the activities of KNHP S.A. is a project focused on residential development. The company has regularised the legal status and sold 18 hectares of land designated for low-intensity multi-family housing, thereby completing its involvement in the residential component. The first buildings have already appeared in this part of Branice, and the first residents are expected to move in by the end of 2025.
Three Stages of Implementation
The “Kraków – Nowa Huta of the Future” project has been divided into three phases. The first phase, from 2012 to 2016, focused on shaping the project and preparing local spatial development plans. By May 2020, practically the entire project area was covered by such plans.
Since 2017, the second phase has been underway, closely linked to transport infrastructure investments, notably the reconstruction of Igołomska Street and the construction of the “Kościelniki” and “Przylasek Rusiecki” suburban railway stations. During this time, KNHP S.A. concentrated on property acquisition, legal regularisation, revitalisation activities, active investor outreach, and efficient commercialisation processes. These efforts have resulted in the construction of the first buildings within the Economic Activity Zones, marking the beginning of the third phase—direct implementation of investments by entrepreneurs.
From the perspective of ten years of KNHP S.A.’s operations, the greatest success lies in securing broad engagement from both local communities and investors. This is evident in the high level of business activity in the prepared investment areas and the strong public interest in the social initiatives implemented by KNHP S.A.
KNHP S.A. remains committed to the core goals of the project and its statutory objectives, while also adapting its strategy to evolving circumstances. This flexibility is expected to shape the future of the project. Ongoing technological and market changes, particularly in the metallurgical industry, indicate that it may become necessary to expand the scope of the “Kraków – Nowa Huta of the Future” project to new areas.
KNHP S.A. – 10 Years in Numbers
- PLN 69 million in EU funding acquired
- 5 EU-funded projects completed
- 30 national and international events promoting the economy of Kraków and the Małopolska region
- 8 awards and certificates received
- 167 hectares of land prepared and made available for investment by the KNHP Capital Group
KNHP S.A. – 10th Anniversary
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of Kraków Nowa Huta Przyszłości S.A., residents of Kraków are invited to a special jubilee concert taking place at the Nowa Huta Cultural Centre: “Symphony of the Four Corners of the World” by Stanisław Słowiński. The concert is part of the EtnoKraków/Rozstaje 2025 / Returns festival, which this year brings together nearly 100 artists from 10 countries. It is a multicultural celebration of music by leading ensembles from the international and Polish ethno, world music, and traditional music scenes.
Where: Nowa Huta Cultural Centre
( 📍 al. Jana Pawła II 232, 31-982 Kraków )
When: June 27, 2025, at 6:00 PM
Tickets: Free entry / admission by ticket only
Tickets available at: [link]
The concert is free of charge; entry passes are required.
For more information, please visit: rozstaje.pl
