WBJ sat down with Mrs Renata Kaznowska, deputy mayor of the city to talk about Warsaw’s ambitious new General Plan, the challenges of rapid urban growth, and how the city is shaping a more sustainable, resident-friendly future. Interview by Morten Lindholm
Renata Kaznowska: The biggest shift is the transition from the previous spatial planning system to a new structure. Until now, urban planning was based on several fundamental documents, primarily the Study of Conditions and Directions for Spatial Development. This document served as a kind of constitution for planning decisions, guiding local zoning plans.
Under the old system, developers could build based either on the local zoning plan or, in its absence, through a decision on land development conditions. There was also an additional legal mechanism known as Lex Developer, which allowed for the construction of residential investments under special conditions. However, this law will expire at the end of the year.
Starting in 2023, the planning system has undergone a fundamental change. The Study of Conditions is being replaced by a General Plan, which will serve as a legally binding framework for local zoning plans and development decisions. Every local zoning plan must now align with the General Plan, ensuring a more cohesive and structured approach to city development.
That sounds like a major reform. What challenges does Warsaw face in implementing the General Plan?
The biggest challenge is time. The government has given municipalities only two years to develop and approve these plans. For a city as large and diverse as Warsaw, this is an enormous task.
When creating a General Plan, we have 13 statutory planning zones at our disposal, which are assigned very specific functions. These zones include residential areas, commercial zones, green spaces, and even industrial or agricultural areas. Every municipality in Poland must adhere to these standardized categories, which means that Warsaw’s plan is just one piece of a much larger national framework.
Another significant difficulty is that we are working under new legal provisions without any precedent or case law to guide us. This is uncharted territory. Moreover, the scale of the task varies across districts. In historic areas like Śródmieście, the focus is on preservation and maintaining architectural continuity, whereas in rapidly growing outer districts like Białołęka or Wawer, our priority is ensuring the necessary infrastructure—such as schools, parks, and public transportation—keeps pace with residential development.
You mentioned public consultation as part of this process. How are residents involved in shaping the plan?
Public engagement is essential. Warsaw’s residents are very active and want to have a say in urban planning. That’s why we’ve created a dedicated website where people can access planning documents and submit feedback. We’ve also set up a hotline and a dedicated email for inquiries and proposals.
Last year, we received over 40,000 formal submissions, each containing multiple comments and motions. In total, we estimate around 100,000 distinct points of feedback. Our team is meticulously categorizing and analyzing these submissions by topic, whether they relate to environmental protection, transportation, or social infrastructure.
One of the biggest concerns raised by residents is the balance between housing development and public amenities. People don’t just want apartment buildings; they want schools, parks, and cultural spaces nearby. Our goal is to develop all these accompanying functions.
The act gives us new opportunities such as Integrated Investment Plans, which will replace Lex Developer.
These plans will ensure that developers contribute to public infrastructure as part of their projects.
With this rapid urban growth, how does Warsaw plan to address demographic changes?
That’s a crucial factor in planning. Demographics dictate our needs for housing, transportation, and public services.
Right now, Warsaw has about 1.86 million officially registered residents, but real numbers are higher. Estimates suggest that around 2.3 to 2.4 million people live here, considering those who haven’t officially registered but work or study in the city.
Population growth is concentrated in outer districts like Białołęka, where new housing developments are attracting young families. This presents a challenge because while central districts like Śródmieście have excess school capacity, in Białołęka, we are constantly building new schools and preschools to meet demand.
Our General Plan is designed to manage this growth intelligently. We want to avoid urban sprawl and instead focus on the 15-minute city concept, where essential services are within easy reach of every resident.
Speaking of the 15-minute city concept, how is Warsaw adapting its planning approach to encourage mixed-use development?
We’re seeing a shift in how developers approach urban projects. Previously, many focused solely on residential or commercial developments. Now, there’s a growing emphasis on mixed-use projects that combine housing, offices, retail, and public spaces.
This aligns with our strategy to reduce unnecessary commuting and create more self-sufficient neighborhoods. Developers are beginning to understand that a well-designed, mixed-use environment benefits both residents and businesses.
That said, we still face challenges. Some investors prioritize short-term profits, focusing solely on maximizing the number of units rather than creating well-integrated communities. That’s why regulatory oversight, such as the General Plan, is crucial in ensuring that new developments align with Warsaw’s long-term vision.
How do you see Warsaw’s future in terms of sustainability and green urban spaces?
Sustainability is a top priority. We are increasing green spaces, implementing rainwater management systems, and integrating more trees and vegetation into urban areas.
One major focus is addressing the urban heat island effect. Certain areas, especially in the city center, experience higher temperatures due to excessive concrete and limited greenery. To counteract this, we are reclaiming space for nature—transforming paved areas into green spaces, expanding parks, and introducing more tree-lined streets.
The redevelopment of Plac Defilad and surrounding streets, such as Marszałkowska and Świętokrzyska, reflects this shift. These areas are being redesigned to prioritize pedestrians, cyclists, and green spaces rather than just car traffic.
Looking ahead, what are the key milestones for Warsaw’s urban planning in the coming years?
The most immediate goal is finalizing and implementing the General Plan by the end of this year. However, we are also working on updating our Warsaw 2040 Development Strategy, which serves as a broader vision for the city’s future.
Another major milestone is ensuring smooth cooperation with national authorities. Since every municipality in Poland is submitting their General Plans for approval at the same time, there’s a risk of bureaucratic delays. We are advocating for an extension of the deadline to allow for more thorough reviews and approvals.
In the long run, Warsaw is positioning itself as a dynamic, sustainable, and inclusive metropolis. We’re focused on smart growth, high-quality public spaces, and strengthening community engagement. The changes we’re making now will shape the city for the next 20 years, ensuring that Warsaw remains one of Europe’s most livable and forward-thinking capitals.
