A green oasis instead of concrete and exhaust fumes
Warsaw has gained a new space for pedestrians. The rebuilt Złota Street, located right next to the center of the capital, has undergone a spectacular metamorphosis. Previously known for heavy car traffic, today it is a promenade full of greenery, fountains and places to rest. Cars completely disappeared from the street and the space was given over to passers-by and residents.
Fountains and sandstones. A new space to relax
Nowa Złota is distinguished by numerous elements of small architecture. Two modern fountains were installed at the height of the Złota 7 and Złota 8 buildings, which attracted the attention of passers-by already on the opening day. There are 22 sandstones and comfortable benches nearby, and the whole area is surrounded by lush greenery. This is a place that encourages walking and resting in the very center of the city.
A buried tunnel and the fight against flooding
The reconstruction of Złota Street is not only about aesthetics. As part of the investment, the tunnel under Marszałkowska was filled in, and retention reservoirs were built in its place, which can store up to 3 million liters of water. This is a solution that is intended to help fight urban flooding and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Warsaw as a European metropolis
The Mayor of Warsaw, Rafał Trzaskowski, emphasized during the opening that the new Złota is part of a broad strategy to make the city center more friendly to residents and resistant to the effects of heat:
We are giving the streets of Warsaw into the hands of the residents, we are changing Warsaw in such a way that we can be proud of it, so that it resembles all the European metropolises that we once envied.
The New Center of Warsaw is growing before our eyes. What's next?
The modernization of Złota Street is part of a larger project of the New Center of Warsaw. Earlier, Bracka and Chmielna streets and a part of Plac Defilad had already undergone a similar transformation. Further investments are planned - Zgoda, Sienkiewicza and Jasna streets will soon be changed. Krucza Street will also be rebuilt and will gain a park in its central strip. The modernization of Okrzei Street in Praga is also underway, which will ultimately connect both sides of the Vistula with green walking routes.
Access yes, parking no. Residents have concerns
Some residents of the buildings on the street complained about difficulties related to the reconstruction, noise coming from the nearby Plac Defilad and the growing number of apartments intended for short-term rental. Some people pointed out that the new Złota is becoming more of an attraction for tourists than an everyday space for residents.
Many residents also asked about the availability of parking spaces after the street was closed to car traffic. President Trzaskowski assured that "all residents have access to their properties, where they have parking spaces. They can also order special badges allowing entry to this zone."
Additional parking spaces are available in the underground parking lots under Plac Defilad and Plac Powstańców Warszawy.
A revolution in your wallet. How much does parking cost now?
Until the reconstruction, Złota Street was a paid parking zone, with fees ranging from PLN 4.50 to PLN 6.40 per hour. Currently, the nearest parking spaces are in the parking lot at Plac Defilad (PLN 10 per hour) and at Plac Powstańców Warszawy (PLN 7.50 per hour, possibility of purchasing a daily subscription for PLN 65 or a monthly subscription for PLN 750).
