A secure sector
Agnieszka Barteczko: What projects is Warbud currently developing in the Tri-city region?
Edward Moczydłowski: We are now developing the two biggest investments in Tri-city - the development of the ecologically friendly public transport system in Gdynia for PKT Gdynia and the extension of the seashore and road infrastructure of the port terminal at Westerplatte. The value of the contracts is zł.30 million and zł.49 million respectively, the latter being the biggest contract signed by Warbud in Tri-city.
What Tri-city contracts were significant for your company in past years?
One of the most interesting investments was the construction of the [newest facilities of the] Pomeranian Science and Technolgy Park in Gdynia for some zł.15 million, constructed in the buildings of an old pre-war bus depot. The first tenants will start to move in in June and July.
We also built a modern waste sorting plant in Kwidzyn. In Gdynia we completed two interesting projects for the Gdańsk University of Technology. An interesting hallmark of Warbud in the region is the pylon of the Sucharski bridge project.
What is the value of all contracts Warbud has completed in the Tri-city region?
In 2005 Region Pólnoc signed contracts worth zł.87 million, in 2006 we have already signed contracts worth zł.86 million. The biggest completed project [zł.31 million] by Warbud, was the Fashion House in Gdańsk, delivered at the end of 2005. Now we are realizing contracts whose total value reaches zł.180 million. About zł.170 million of this amount are contracts related to the Tri-city region. By the end of this year we should sign contracts for zł.120 million.
What are Warbud's future projects in Tri-city?
Region Północ's contracts are becoming more connected with the marine economy, which is the main driver for investment. The development of ports encourages the development of infrastructure. If Warbud signs the contract for the construction of the Estakada Kwiatkowskiego (Kwiatkowski flyover) for zł.180 million, this will be Warbud's largest contract ever in Tri-city. Warbud will also be very interested in the projects of the Young City in Gdańsk.
How is the boost in construction seen in Tri-city?
Leaving residential housing aside, it can be said that the turn of 2005 and 2006 was the time when one could observe improvement in the construction sector in Tri-city. This was connected with the money that was injected as part of the EU regional development programs. Tri-city's time has come, and more and more investments, both private and public, will be developed there.
What are the greatest concerns for construction sector in Tri-city?
One major problem is the outflow of skilled workers to the UK, Germany, Ireland and Sweden. Another thing is the spiraling cost of construction materials. An obstacle here is also the construction of the A1 Motorway - all the materials being directed toward this development cause the drainage of the aggregate market, also needed by other construction companies. Also, the never-ending tender procedures are a barrier.
How is the Tri-city construction market different from other developing regions and in what direction will it take?
The biggest difference is that the market is highly dependent on the development of the harbors. Another element is the highly attractive residential market. Tri-city is a large urban agglomeration, which needs investment. The construction sector is secure.
