Perspektywy rozwoju śródmieścia Krakowa

This paper looks at possible directions of future development in the inner city area of Cracow. It draws on recent experience in some Western European cities where central districts are going through processes of redefining their role within the changing context of the larger urban region. The paper also investigates recent developments in big cities of former GDR assuming that Poland's soon-to-come integration with the European Union may trigger tendencies and development pressures in cities similar to those experienced after German unification. It further attempts to identify potentials and weaknesses of the central area in Cracow analyzing both its present characteristics and the abilities of the existing management and planning system to control and direct its future physical development. In conclusion the paper outlines some possible strategies which could possibly help to direct future development in the inner city area of Cracow towards a desired scenario. An important condition for successful development of a creative vision for the future inner city will be wide public discussion and community involvement in the decision making and planning processes.