Łódź factories to get a facelift

Australian developer Opal Property Developments (OPD), which is currently converting the 19th-century Karol Scheibler textile factory into a fashionable new residential development, has won the tender to buy 60 buildings located on a 50,000-sqm plot between ul. Tymienieckiego and ul. Milionowa. The real estate, which formerly belonged to Zakłady Przemysłu Bawełnianego Uniontex, is now part of a huge revitalization project, with a total space of 21 ha.

"Such revitalization projects were very popular abroad years ago. Now the trend is coming to Poland. Once Karol Scheibler's empire was the reason why Łódź flourished. Later, the decaying factories brought shame to the city. Now we want them to become city landmarks," says Dorota Urawska from OPD.

The developer is planning to develop a conference and arts center. "Perhaps we will create a theater, a concert hall, clubs, but it is too early for details," says Urawska.

At the same time, the developer is working on a number of residential projects in the area. The development located at ul. Tymienieckiego 25 will host 408 apartments in the old factories and some 200 apartments in three new buildings.

The Słoneczne Tarasy complex located at ul. Tymienieckiego 18 will have 85 apartments. The two warehouses at ul. Tymienieckiego 28 will provide full commercial services such as a kindergarten, spa, swimming pool, cafes and restaurants.

OPD has also decided to create a museum dedicated to the memory of John Paul II. The results of the first part of the competition for the design of the museum will be announced after November 13.