NATO vessels in Gdynia

Six vessels that belong to the Standing NATO Maritime Group have come to Gdynia. It was a rare opportunity to take a closer look at the battleships. Three of them have been made available to visitors.

The vessels arrived on 17th May and remained in Gdynia to 20th May. There were moored to the French Quay. We hosted the following vessels – American USS Gravely, Spanish ESPS Almirante Juan De Borbon, Turkish TCG Gokova, British HMS Westminster, German FGS Rhön as well as Polish frigate ORP Gen. Kazimierz Pułaski. The inhabitants of Gdynia were given an opportunity to explore the American, Turkish and British vessels over the weekend.

The vessels, which arrived in Gdynia as a part of a working visit, belong to the Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG-1). The visit was organized by the 13th Minesweeper Squadron, which belongs to the 8th Coastal Defence Flotilla.

The representation of the vessel group visited the City Hall in Gdynia as well. The commanders of five units were hosted by Joanna Zielińska, Chairwoman of the City Council. The visitors were led by Commander Peter Krogh, a commander of the team and an officer of the Royal Danish Navy.

 

The Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group One (SNMCMG-1) is responsible for maintaining maritime safety. The group is also to demonstrate solidarity of the members of the alliance and ensure safety of sea communication routes. The group’s vessels constitute a mine countermeasures system in sea areas, which is regarded as a “counter-mine shield” for Europe. The forces may also be used to support counter-terrorism operations, life rescue operations and reacting in crises.

fot. Paweł Kukla/UM Gdynia

Sailors Using the New Marina

The first sailing yacht has entered the new Yacht Park Marina in Gdynia. The overwater part of the investment project has been put into use. Construction works related to the marina administration building are still in progress, but sailors can already moor at new berths.

The first yacht to enter the new Gdynia harbour has been S/Y Legia. It is a particularly unique vessel from 1968, on board of which for instance Colonel Kukliński sailed. Currently the yacht is the property of the Polish Navy Yacht Club Kotwica. After the marina was put into use, it has served O’pen BIC Class sailors from a child sailing school. The organisers hope there will be yachts aplenty at the marina soon.
The Yacht Park Marina has been constructed at the President’s Basin in Gdynia and is a part of a large investment project carried out on the waterfront.

“We are able to host, very comfortably, 120 vessels, meaning sailing yachts over 10 metres. And also smaller units, like jet skis or RIBs,” says Marek Wójcik, Gdynia Yacht Park Marina Manager. “The marina will also have many technical and sanitary facilities, including rooms for our guests, showers, toilets or a forecastle, that is a room designed for preparing meals or organise meetings.”

The entire investment project, including the necessary facilities for sailors, is to be completed before this summer season, as the organisers intend to make the new object fully available for the season.

“At the end of June, no later than in the mid July, we want to already participate in the events organised by Gdynia, the World Championship, sailing regattas or the Sea Days. We will certainly be ready by then, with all technical facilities and the marina administration opened, able to provide services expected by sailors at any modern marina,” Marek Wójcik assures.

The investor of the new marina is the capital group Polski Holding Nieruchomości.

Fot. Kamil Złoch, gdynia.pl

The marina is coming

Polski Holding Nieruchomości, the investor of the Yacht Park complex and the modern marina, declares project completion at the end of April – beginning of May. This is excellent news for sailors.

Yacht Park construction works are in progress. At the Fisherman’s Pier, frames of new buildings are already being erected. The investor has planned to build here 135 apartments in six 5-storey residential buildings. Their ground floors will serve as business premises with their total floor area within the complex amounting to over 13k square meters.

Windows of the luxury apartments will offer a view of the new yacht marina nearby. The company responsible for project performance is now erecting a structure to hold marina administration as well as laundry, drying room and comfortable bathrooms. Marina Yacht Park is supposed to be opened for sailors before the beginning of this summer season. According to the investor, the first vessels will be able to moor there as soon as the end of April/beginning of May.

This is great news for water sport fans and sailing lovers, whom we have aplenty in Gdynia and Pomerania,” says Marek Łucyk, Deputy Mayor of Gdynia responsible for development. “In the very heart of our city over 100 new berths will appear. This information is also important in the context of organisation of major sailing events which are regularly held here and require proper infrastructure. We consider our city’s marine identity very important, and so the more happy we are to see another spot here soon connected with sailing, without which no one can imagine a summer in Gdynia,” Deputy Mayor Łucyk underlines.

The port will have space to moor 120 vessels with maximum draught up to 8 meters, up to 14 meters long. Plans include also berths for jet skis. The investment contractor will equip the facility with a modern management system and efficient booking system making this place well adjusted to sea cruises and sailing expeditions.

Downtown Offices

Three five-storey office buildings, that is Marina Office, will be erected in Waszyngtona and Hryniewieckiego Streets in Sea City. The investor, Polski Holding Nieruchomości, plans to begin works in the second half of 2019.

This modern office complex of about 27k square meters of space for rent will comprise three independent five-storey buildings with a common garage hall. The south-western part of the front building A will boast of a dominant mezzanine.

PHN is currently selecting a general contractor for this investment project. The Company plans to start the works in the second half of the year and complete them in 2021 or 2022. In the vicinity of the buildings, nearby the former Dalmor pier, a town square with greenery and benches is to be created.

The architectural concept of the office buildings was prepared by the studio S.A.M.I. Architekci Mariusz Lewandowski i Wspólnicy [S.A.M.I. Architects Mariusz Lewandowski and Partners]. These office buildings in Gdynia will harmoniously combine modern architecture with innovative technologies. Describing the project on its website the investor reveals that “the building complex is inspired by a shell with its rough external surface and smooth iridescent interior”.

Polski Holding Nieruchomości is already carrying out an investment project in Sea City. The Company is building the Yacht Park housing estate, that is six five-storey residential buildings and a new marina.

Gdynia – Polish City of the Future

During the real estate fair in Cannes, Gdynia was awarded a prestigious title of the Polish City of the Future in two categories – Economic Potential and Overall – among mid-sized cities. In seven other categories, Gdynia ranked close to the very top. The award was collected by Wojciech Szczurek, the Mayor of Gdynia.

The ranking, organised by fDi Intelligence and GIS Planning, where Gdynia was scored at the top of as many as seven categories, rewards the best foreign investment locations. These awards call the attention of investors from all over the world to the awarded city and its investment potential. Gdynia once again participated in MIPIM fair in Cannes together with Gdańsk, Sopot, Rumia and Pruszcz Gdańsk, sharing the Invest in Pomerania stand. Talking to a journalist from Rzeczpospolita, Mayor Szczerek revealed where his city was looking for new development opportunities.

“On one hand, we want to create new areas of the city’s economic development, on the other – to meet growing expectations,” Wojciech Szczurek, the Mayor of Gdynia, explained. “Poland still lacks many flats, and expectations are changing as well. There is a need for a more diversified offer in the housing market, both for the wealthiest people and for those who often add up the credit capacity of their family members and ambitiously want to make their dreams about a flat come true. We want to accommodate that, and so we build new districts in the city and look for investors for such projects. We want them to change our city with us,” Mayor Szczurek said.

During the fair, Gdynia promoted seaside areas of Sea City – a new district currently built in the city centre. On the second day of the fair, Gdynia organised a panel discussion dedicated to the subject of quayside development – “Waterfront Regeneration – Challenges and Opportunities”, conducted by Professor Greg Clark – an urbanist, author dealing with many questions related to city development and business investments, advisor and mentor of many urban agglomerations and companies around the world. Also, representatives of Rotterdam, Lisbon, Belfast and Gdynia shared their experiences in the field of waterfront design.

“This is our contribution to MIPIM, one we can propose as Waterfront Cities founding members. We consistently stake on the hotel industry. Gdynia still needs some more high standard hotels. The city has plots of land in unique locations, situated in the coastal belt – these areas will be the topic of discussions with key investors. Our participation in the fair allows us to present the development potential of Gdynia and to encourage international players to invest with us,” says Katarzyna Gruszecka-Spychała, the Deputy Mayor of Gdynia responsible for Economy.

Sea City will offer space for work, living and leisure. The purpose of such a wide offer is to prevent this area from becoming desolated in the afternoon and the evening. The first Sea City investment projects were put into use in 2015. On the waterfront of President’s Basin, as part of the Waterfront I project erected by the company Vastint Poland, Courtyard by Marriott hotel and an 11-storey office building were constructed. The Investor is already carrying out works related to the second stage of the development concept of, this time, the former Gemini complex. On the Fishing Pier Wharf, construction of the residential complex Yacht Park is in progress. Both its residents and other people living in Gdynia will be able to use a modern marina located nearby. In July 2019, Gdynia will host the Youth Sailing World Championship, and the marina is where almost 500 sailors from 76 countries will moor.

The strategy of Gdynia duly appreciated in Cannes

The maritime economy development strategy of Gdynia has been esteemed by specialist magazine Financial Times in a ranking of the Polish City of the Future. In this ranking, Gdynia receives the award for the third time in a row, which is the confirmation of its economic potential.

The ranking of the FDI Magazine comprises cities which have attracted the largest number of foreign investors. Each of them is subject to a detailed analysis in terms of five aspects – economic potential, human capital and lifestyle, cost-effectiveness, friendliness to business as well as communications and availability. The sixth category is evaluated too: strategy. It has no influence on the general outcome, however it is awarded separately. Gdynia obtained the reward exactly in this category – FDI Strategy for the maritime economy development strategy.

This exceptionally prestigious distinction is the evidence of a permanent development trend of Gdynia and confirms the rightness of the development direction chosen by local self-government, based on the maritime economy. The magazine is read by investors all over the world. The award will be collected by Mayor Wojciech Szczurek in Cannes at the biggest investment fairs in Europe – MIPIM.

This reward undoubtedly contributes to recognition of Gdynia on the investment market. As a city from outside the largest five ones in Poland, with short history, we tend to cope with this problem abroad. Like on call, we receive the title as a remedy i.e. publication of the ranking in the magazine and as the icing on the cake – a gala with presentation of the awards organized in such a place and at such time that all the most important players and decision-makers observe it. This helps very much to end on the list of potential locations – and once we are there, we have a tool to convince. Personally, I am also very satisfied with the fact that regular success in this difficult ranking confirms the rightness of the strategic economic decisions and, ipso facto, encourages us to further intense work for the benefit of development of Gdynia,” adds Katarzyna Gruszecka-Spychała, Vice-Mayor of Gdynia in charge of economy.

City anniversary

On 10 February 1926, Gdynia received its city charter. Celebration of the city’s 93rd birthday begins as early as on 1 February. An exhibition of the best photos posted on Instagram, a birthday run and a city game – these are only some of the attractions for Gdynia’s anniversary.

From 1 February until the end of the month, the best photos of Gdynia published on Instagram can be viewed at the City Information Centre. From 6 February, pictures of Gdynia taken by photographer Janusz Uklejewski, who recorded the city’s life on film from 1945 onwards, will be presented at the TYGIEL arts venue in Gdynia.

The Marine Branch of PTTK in Gdynia invites to a city game along the trails of independence. The treasure expedition will enable us to learn the history of the city, its monuments, events and associated figures. The organisers particularly encourage tourists, school children and teachers to take part in the game. The game is planned for 8 February. All participants should meet at the Gdynia City Hall (al. Marszałka Piłsudskiego 52/54), ground floor lobby, 11 a.m.–12.30 p.m. Applications for participation in the game can be sent to wrzosrj@wp.pl until 5 February 2019.
On 9 February, everyone is invited to Gdynia Arena. The programme includes a concert of the band called NonSTOP. It will also be possible to ask for advice of a makeup artist, trichologist, nutritionist and physiotherapist, as well as check your blood sugar and pressure levels.
The main celebrations connected with the 93rd anniversary of granting the city charter will be held on 10 February at 12 noon by the Maritime Poland monument.
On 10 February at 12 noon, Gdynia guides invite us to see the famous townhouses in Gdynia situated at Abrahama 26, Abrahama 28 and Batorego 4. All participants are asked to gather at 12 noon in front of Gdynia InfoBox (Świętojańska 30).
Running enthusiasts can celebrate the jubilee by taking part in a 10-kilometre birthday run, which will take place on 17 February. The organisers have planned an accompanying competition for the day before the race.

A special birthday programme has been prepared by the Gdynia City Museum, which offers free admission on 9 and 10 February. During this time, a new module of the permanent exhibition titled “Gdynia – open work” will be opened in memory of commune head Jan Radtke. The Gdynia City Museum Education Centre has prepared an unusual archiving campaign titled “The city here and now”, during which it will be possible to record statements on the present in the city of sea and dreams (Sunday, 12 noon–3 p.m.). On 10 February at 2 p.m., the Museum director, Jacek Fredrich, PhD, invites for a curatorial tour of the permanent exhibition titled “Gdynia – open work”.

Those who would like to wish Gdynia a happy birthday may take part in the birthday wish competition. Wish ideas can be submitted until 7 February. The wishes should refer to the jubilee and consist of no more than 17 characters. The best ones will be placed in the window of the Pomeranian Science and Technology Park in Gdynia. Please submit your applications here: http://bit.ly/podaj_haslo.
We wish you another 100 years, Gdynia!

Modern office buildings in Śródmieście Morskie

Polski Holding Nieruchomości [Polish Real Estate Holding] is searching for a general contractor of the Marina Office complex to be constructed at Hryniewickiego 10 Street in Gdynia.

A modern office complex will be located in the vicinity of the Bay of Gdańsk offering a view of Kościuszki Square, next to the flag investment of the PHN Capital Group – the Yacht Park. Marina Office is a complex that consists of three independent five-storey buildings sharing a garage hall with a total area of 27,000 square meters. Architectural design is developed by the studio S.A.M.I. Architekci Mariusz Lewandowski i Wspólnicy [S.A.M.I. Architects Mariusz Lewandowski and Partners]. As the investor described the undertaking – the creators of the building complex were inspired by a shell with its rough external surface and a smooth iridescent interior. A very distinctive mezzanine can be seen in the south-western part of the front building. Tenants of the office buildings will be able to rest at the internal green patio in the middle of the complex. An excellent location of buildings in the city centre and a unique view of the bay will surely attract many tenants.

The Yacht Park housing estate that consists of six residential buildings and a marina for 120 yachts are currently being constructed in the vicinity of the complex. The apartments are to be completed next year.

Gdynia as the city of sailors

Gdynia is preparing for the organization of the Junior World Sailing Championship, which will take place from 13 to 19 July 2019. It is a great sports event, but also a very organizationally challenging project, as there will be nearly 500 competitors from
76 countries at the start.

Recently, Gdynia hosted the delegation of the International Sailing Federation, as well as representatives of the Polish Yachting Association. Together with employees of the Gdynia Sports Center, they discussed the state of preparations of the city for the organization of the event. The team of the world federation, led by the event director, Alistar Fox, visited hotels in which competitors will be accommodated, as well as nearby tourist attractions.

The President of the Polish Yachting Association, Tomasz Chamera, praised the excellent sports infrastructure of Gdynia, thanks to which the city can organize international events. The sports base will be developed next year. The construction of a new harbour for 120 yachts at the Nadbrzeże Kutrowe in the Sea City is in progress. The investor plans to complete the project to the participants of the Junior World Championship. Sailors will be able to take advantage of the new marina and modern sanitary facilities.
As many as 500 competitors from 76 countries will race in the next year’s junior regatta in Gdynia. They will compete in the waters of the Gdansk Bay in 8 classes, and each class will play 11 races. One country will be able to field one competitor (team) in a given competition.