Kraków Nowa Huta Przyszłości S.A. has been given an important mission: to restore post-industrial land for the benefit of local residents. The creation of recreational areas and zones for economic activity generates growth, enhances the city’s appeal, improves quality of life, and—crucially—helps mitigate the effects of climate change.
The consequences of climate change are increasingly felt across Europe. Heavy rainfall, heatwaves, and hurricanes pose risks to people and damage infrastructure—particularly in transport and energy sectors.
Each city has its own specific conditions shaped by geography, architecture, hydrology, and social and economic factors. Therefore, climate change adaptation requires well-coordinated and comprehensive urban planning. Key elements include the development of green spaces, protection of water resources, and improved rainwater retention. In Kraków’s historic and densely built-up city centre, such activities are naturally limited. The greatest potential for impactful change lies in the eastern part of the city. That is why, in 2015, the company Kraków Nowa Huta Przyszłości was established. Its purpose is to reclaim large post-industrial areas—mainly former steelworks sites—and return them to the community.
The company’s activities are focused on Nowa Huta, Kraków’s largest district, which covers 65 km². The reduced operations of the steelworks over the past two decades and the removal of its buffer zone have opened up opportunities for developing a vast area with an attractive location—accounting for over 15% of Kraków’s total surface and 80% of Nowa Huta. Twelve times the size of the Old Town, Nowa Huta, offers not only enormous potential for transformation, but also—due to its scale—the possibility to implement far-reaching changes that can positively affect the entire city.
The “Kraków – Nowa Huta of the Future” project is unique in that it combines attractive land for revitalisation with the scientific and research potential of Kraków. All initiatives are carried out with respect for nature and with the goal of adapting to climate change.
Naturally, there are barriers that delay the implementation of adaptation policies, such as administrative procedures and funding limitations. The investments made by KNHP S.A. would not have been possible without key support from European Union funds.
Current regulations around energy sales by prosumers and monopolistic energy companies also discourage the distribution of electricity generated from renewable sources.
Przylasek Rusiecki
In 2021, the Recreation and Leisure Centre “Przylasek Rusiecki” was opened to the public. The development of this site was preceded by extensive community consultations. The strong need for such a facility in the eastern part of Kraków is evident—during the summer season, this natural bathing area attracts over 100,000 visitors.
The area surrounding 14 water reservoirs in Przylasek Rusiecki offers two types of leisure activities. The revitalised surroundings of the largest reservoir are ideal for traditional recreation by the water, centred around the beach. Meanwhile, the other 13 reservoirs provide space for those seeking peace, quiet, and contact with nature. This area has the potential to become a river park in the future.
Families with children can enjoy a sandy beach with hammocks and deck chairs, sports fields, piers, promenades, walking paths, playgrounds, and a water sports centre (wakeboarding, kayaking, paddle boats, SUP boards). During the summer, lifeguards ensure the safety of bathers. Wide walking paths, ramps for strollers, and wooden piers that extend directly into the water enhance both safety and comfort. A utility building near the beach provides changing rooms, showers, and toilets. Almost one kilometre of wide wooden piers running along the reservoir allow visitors to observe birds and insects in their natural habitat.
The revitalisation of this area was based on social consultations and focused on creating a modern, nature-friendly recreational space for Kraków’s residents. The greenery has room to grow freely, and the gravel surface of the paths enables natural rainwater infiltration. Human impact on the environment was reduced to the necessary minimum. The site features electric car charging stations, benches with USB ports, and energy-saving technologies that help reduce operating costs and protect the environment.
The “Przylasek Rusiecki” Centre was recognised by PLGBC (Polish Green Building Council) as a good example of sustainable development. It was highlighted in the PLGBC GreenUp campaign, which promotes climate change mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions through building upgrades, energy and resource efficiency, and sustainable design. Adaptation involves preparing infrastructure and communities to withstand climate change impacts while minimizing harm to the environment and quality of life.
Today, climate change shapes the design of entire cities. The key to a safe future is balancing profit generation, value creation, and sustainable development goals. Modern buildings reduce emissions, and recreational spaces improve everyday well-being. The “Przylasek Rusiecki” Centre fits perfectly into climate mitigation and adaptation strategies as well as the growing trend of “local tourism,” which promotes a healthy lifestyle and offers an alternative to the digital world.
This recreational space on Kraków’s outskirts is complemented by the open-air Wooden Architecture Museum being developed within the “Branice” Educational Park. Four buildings are currently being relocated, and historical objects are being collected for future exhibitions. Once completed, the museum will feature 11 homesteads, a tavern, a religious building, and a modern educational-exhibition facility inspired by traditional architecture.
Geothermal Drilling Project
KNHP S.A. carries out projects that respect nature and continuously expands its activities in the field of ecology—for example, through the installation of renewable energy systems. At the end of 2023, the Ministry of Climate and Environment announced that the City of Kraków had received over 12 million PLN to conduct a geothermal test drilling near Przylasek Rusiecki. The goal is to examine the temperature, physical and chemical properties, and efficiency of a geothermal deposit first explored in the 1960s. This will determine whether underground thermal energy can be used for economic and recreational purposes. KNHP S.A. has already prepared 5.5 hectares of land for investment in this area. Renewable energy sources help reduce CO₂ emissions and thus combat climate change.
Modern Industry
The Economic Activity Zone “Nowa Huta Przyszłości” was fully commercialised in 2024. It has been designed to support business incubators, technology centres, and high-tech or artisanal production facilities. Modern technologies make it possible to reduce the environmental impact of industry. The zone offers investor-friendly infrastructure, including roads, bike paths, pedestrian routes, relaxation zones with Wi-Fi, and parking with electric vehicle charging stations. Within the zone, 4 hectares have been set aside as common green areas, designed to counteract the urban heat island effect. An additional 4 hectares of ecologically valuable forest—located on the zone’s border—has been transferred into city ownership thanks to efforts by KNHP S.A. For every tree removed as part of development work, a new one was planted—for example, in the park on Plastusia Street. In total, 340 new trees and shrubs were planted within the Economic Activity Zone. An excellent example of sustainable industrial investment is the technology and production hub by 7R in the Logistics and Industrial Centre “Ruszcza.” The developer is launching one of Kraków’s largest industrial investments. The 7R complex will offer production and warehouse space built according to the low-emission 7R Green Saver standard. The site will include three buildings with a total area of 230,000 m². The project has both ecological and social dimensions. Plans include planting over 2,000 trees—specifically species that support local biodiversity—and afforesting 10 hectares of land. Natural depressions on the site will be transformed into rain gardens that store and filter stormwater, improving soil quality and supporting the local microclimate. All necessary permits have already been obtained, and the site has been environmentally assessed.
Eastern Bypass of Kraków
Nowa Huta is giving residents back not only space, but also valuable time. Transport in Kraków’s eastern districts has already improved thanks to the modernisation of Igołomska Street (opened in 2022) and new train stations in Kościelniki, Przylasek Rusiecki, and Osiedle Piastów. However, the most significant development will be the completion of Kraków’s motorway ring road in 2026. The final section, currently under construction, will divert transit traffic away from the city, reduce congestion in Nowa Huta, and improve traffic flow throughout Kraków. This will significantly improve residents’ quality of life. Shorter commutes to school or work will save people valuable time—time that can be spent with family, resting, exercising, or enjoying the natural surroundings of places like Przylasek Rusiecki. New transport routes not only improve comfort but also create opportunities for professional development and help reduce CO₂ and other harmful emissions in the city centre.
