Urban renewal project creates space to train hundreds of students a year in art, design and entrepreneurship.
- 19 October 2015
A wide range of opportunities for training and professional development, and innovative ideas for the creative use of leisure time, are just a few of the many advantages of this place. I whole-heartedly recommend Crooked Chimney, which, thanks to its innovative projects, brings a lot of good to the residents of Wrocław.
An abandoned industrial site in the historic district of the city of Wrocław has been transformed into an educational and community hub for training design professionals. The centre, known as “Crooked Chimney”, has been equipped with the latest technology to teach students every stage of the design process, from developing the initial concept to bringing a product to market.
Facilities include an arts and crafts workshop, design studio, photo studio, presentation space and multimedia room. As well as art and design, the centre provides other vocational training workshops, such as culinary skills. It supported 250 students in 2013 alone.
Regenerating industrial buildings
The project has set an example of how post-industrial parts of the city, where many buildings are no longer in use, can be regenerated. The courtyard, buildings and surrounding space of the site have been adapted for a contemporary purpose.
The development has improved the architectural environment of the area and brought new cultural and economic life to it, while respecting its historical heritage. The local community, including children and the elderly, are also invited to take part in courses at the centre that may be useful to them, from stitching clothes to renovating old furniture.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Creation of local Professional Development Centre” is EUR 1 402 738, of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributed EUR 785 437 from the Operational Programme ‘Lower Silesia’ for the programming period 2007 to 2013, under priority axis “Towns”.