Wołomin Activity Center (WAC)
About this good practice
The Wołomin Community Activity Center project is part of the interventions funded under the Municipal Revitalization Program (2023-2030 - MRP). The project addresses the challenge of repurposing the historic power plant building of the Daszyńskiego Street in Wolomin. This public building, dating back to the 1920s, was in a state of disrepair, triggering the initiation of this transformative project. To improve the impact potential of the intervention, the Municipality of Wołomin also bought an empty plot of land adjacent to the power plant, enlarging the external green space.
The project's core objective is to create a cultural space for the local community, leveraging cultural events with the scope also to preserve the historical significance of the building. The programme of cultural events is designed together with cultural associations, NGOs, foundations, and the residents. The regeneration process has included a significant focus on energy efficiency and the environmental quality of the building. A “Revitalisation Committee” is crucial in overseeing the project deployment. The local actors carry out planning of temporary cultural and educational initiatives in cooperation with the Municipal Cultural Center in Wołomin.
The primary beneficiaries are the diverse members of the local community, associations and NGOs. The project integrates social, economic, and environmental actions, embodying sustainable development principles.
Resources needed
The local government carried out an investment for which it received funds under the JESSICA (Joint European support for sustainable investment in city areas) loan initiative
Evidence of success
The Wołomin project yielded significant success, positively impacting the community's quality of life. Preservation of the Old Plant enriched the city's landscape, with residents enjoying diverse cultural activities. The initiative created a new space and preserved historical heritage and community involvement. Ongoing feedback analysis, focusing on the number of users and initiated projects, shows improved socio-economic indicators, already demonstrating its first successes.
Potential for learning or transfer
This practice may be of interest to other regions for several reasons. Firstly, it focuses on using unused resources through social innovation and activation of residents. Secondly, it involves non-governmental organisations, local social groups and foundations, which may inspire other communities to cooperate similarly. Third, its key principle is to assess the effectiveness and commitment of future users. Additionally, the project aims to create a new space serving all community members by organising cultural events and saving historic buildings. The project is consistent with the urban revitalisation program and has specific success metrics. Finally, project supervision covers planning cultural and educational projects, which indicates a systematic approach to social and cultural development. Together, these elements create a sustainable community development model that can be an inspiration for other regions.
Further information
Good practice owner
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