Since 2021, the Krakow City Development Agency (KCDA) has owned a 9-hectare area, located in the very center of Krakow (called Wesoła), encompassing a dozen or so buildings, mostly historic. Until recently, this area was used by a hospital; currently, work is underway to develop it into a creative district, intended for artistic and educational activities, with a strong component of leisure and recreation surrounded by greenery.

How might we leverage local cultural assets to co-design new urban narratives that reflect modern diversity and restore the civic attractiveness of satellite cities?

Challenge

The city of Cinisello Balsamo, like other European cities, is facing increasing social fragmentation, driven by a combination of factors such as demographic change, mobility, migration flows, and evolving urban dynamics.

Across Europe, many post-industrial cities are facing long-term population decline, economic transition, and the need to redefine their identity after the end of traditional industries. Some cities manage these changes more successfully, while others are still looking for effective ways to respond.

Havířov is one of these cities. We would like to join an URBACT Action Planning Network to better understand how different cities are addressing similar challenges and to co-develop practical solutions that can be implemented locally with partners.

A vibrant local organic food system - where producers, processors and consumers meet directly - brings major benefits to a city. It enhances urban attractiveness, strengthens biodiversity, improves food security in times of crisis and creates job opportunities for people with different kinds of skillsets. Such food systems also carry unique local cultures that often become hubs for innovation and creativity.