Step by Step

Katowice, a city with a population of 330,000, has been experiencing an investment boom. For ages it was associated with coal mining and heavy industry, but today it is rapidly transforming into a modern finance, trade and service hub and the center for science and culture.
It all started with a thorough modernization and expansion of an outdated road infrastructure in the overpopulated and congested city. First, the A-4 motorway was built, and now the construction of the Diagonal Road is about to be completed. These two arteries have created a beltway for Katowice and became a backbone for the local road network. Also, work is being conducted to rebuild the downtown section of the system and a traffic circle, which, when completed, will crown the investment. All work has been conducted with the use of the latest engineering and architectonic solutions, which meet all European standards.

Urząd Miasta Katowice
ul. Młyńska 4,
40-098 Katowice
tel. (032) 253 80 11-18,
tel. (032) 206 85 56
www.um.katowice.pl
e-mail: bpras@um.katowice.pl

Other investments focus on ecology and environmental protection. Katowice today is believed to be one of the Ťgreenestť cities in Europe. As much as 40% of its area is covered with forests and nature reserves, farmable land constitutes 14%, and parks and greens cover 8%. It is not surprising that a network of cycling trails is being expanded in Katowice, including those in the downtown area, and bicycles have become an alternative means of transportation in the Katowice greater metropolitan area. Emphasis is also placed on the modernization of water and sewage systems. The first stage of the purification of the Rawa River and the revitalizing of the nearby Ślepiotka stream has been completed. Next, the sewage system in the Katowice city center will be rebuilt with the use of PLN 221 m from the ISPA fund. This investment will allow for the step-by-step reconstruction of the old market in Katowice and other work.
The Katowice greater area has been popular in business circles. In recent years, 33 banks with more than a hundred outlets have started operations there, and they know best where to invest. What is more, the financial sector is usually a driving force for development. Katowice knows how to attract investors and is successful at it. In the western part of Katowice, a new City or Silesian Wall Street will be established. A large glass and aluminum office building can already be admired in Chorzowska St. In the future, between Mickiewicza and Stęślickiego St., an office complex will be established, and looking at the growth rate in Katowice, it will not be long that the new structures are erected. Local authorities are also promoting the development of education in the region. At present, more than 80,000 students attend 16 universities and will soon join the local personnel pool.
Katowice also pays attention to the fact that its efforts and development is being recognized on the international arena. The credibility of cities is of paramount importance in the European market for prestige and investment attractiveness. Fitch Ratings Agency has awarded Katowice with long-term local and foreign currency ratings. What is more, at the end of last year, the city was awarded the ISO 9001:2000 certificate for professional and the committed performance of municipal and county tasks. Katowice has also topped the prestigious Golden Hundred rating issued by Rzecz-pospolita Daily.
Katowice is a successful city. However, it did not win the lottery, but analyzed its opportunities and worked to use the favorable conditions. And this is what Katowice does best.

Marek Dański