ACCIONA supports the publication of a new edition of the Gdańsk Lower Town guide: “Factory Chimney District”
The ACCIONA development company, in its development projects, is guided by the motto “business as unusual.” This is not just a slogan, but above all a philosophy and a desire to support interesting local initiatives and inspiring people. This is the case with the Kamienna 28 development, being developed in the very heart of the capital of Pomerania – in Lower Town, which, thanks to a dynamic revitalization process and public-private partnership, is emerging as a new top location in Gdańsk.

Lower Town is one of the most exceptional places on the map of Gdańsk, owes its unique atmosphere not only to its historic buildings but above all to the fantastic community of people who live and work here. The residents of Lower Town are known for their creativity, immense commitment to the district, and good neighborly cooperation. Examples of such initiatives include the Neighborhood Energy Incubator – ISE Dolne Miasto, which runs a neighborhood house and organizes various cultural events, and the History Tellers Association, which passionately documents and promotes the history of Dolne Miasto.

Thanks to the Association’s efforts, many interesting publications have come to light, presenting the extraordinary history of this part of Gdańsk, such as the guide “Factory Chimney District.” The latest edition of the guide was published thanks to financial support from ACCIONA, in collaboration with History Tellers, the Institute of Urban Culture, and the City of Gdańsk. The guide “Factory Chimney District” reveals the fascinating history of the post-industrial buildings of Dolne Miasto.

One of these is Wilhelm Theodor Behrand’s oil mill – the first facility of its kind in 19th-century Gdańsk to be equipped with a steam engine. “It may have had limited capacity, but what mattered was that it was the first. The same row of buildings also housed a small sugar refinery, a grain mill, and a wheat starch factory.” After World War II, the former mill buildings changed functions, including a Book Depository, a Recyclable Materials Collection Point, and the Batycki Factory, which is still remembered today. “The renovated interiors were converted into open-space offices. The production of luxury products […] for women and men brought this place to life. Mrs. Bożena (Batycka) also organized promotions for various projects. I remember promoting Alchemia […]. Many other events and concerts were also held there,” recalls Elżbieta Woroniecka, a resident of the Lower Town and a storyteller, in the guidebook. A private concert by Irena Jarocka was once held at the Batycki Factory. Now, through the Kamienna 28 project, ACCIONA is writing another chapter in the history of the Behrand Mill, transforming it into lofts and apartments as part of its revitalization.

The latest edition of the “Factory Chimney District” guide also features stories about other remarkable places on the Lower Town map, such as the international tobacco factory Danziger Tabak-Monopol, the Gdańsk Herbal Works – Herbapol, the 19th-century sugar refinery later transformed into the Royal Rifle Factory and now a bustling hub of club and cafés, and finally the famous tram depot on Łąkowa Street, whose museum tram can still be admired today.

Through the Kamienna 28 project, ACCIONA is not only renovating the buildings but also contributing to the revitalization of the entire district, supporting its residents and their initiatives. Thanks to the public-private partnership, the Lower Town remains a place full of life, inspiration, and a unique atmosphere, with its history and traditions being passed down to future generations.

The guide is available as part of the Discover the Lower Town with ACCIONA campaign, which includes free walks with Storytellers throughout the summer holidays. The next walk will take place on July 13th at 12:00 PM, departing from the entrance to the Academy of Music at 1-2 Łakowa Street in Gdańsk and ending at the toMY café at the former Uphagen Manor (today’s Arche Dwór Uphagena), where participants will receive gifts and a coffee voucher.