Bydgoszcz – The Apple of the Regional Self-Government’s Eye
Bydgoszcz is currently the largest construction site in the region and the biggest beneficiary of funds managed by the regional self-government – both from the budget and EU sources. Marshal’s Office investments alone in the city on the Brda River are set to reach 1.5 billion PLN, and the Bydgoszcz Integrated Territorial Investment (ZIT) budget, signed by Marshal Piotr Całbecki, amounts to €104 million.
“Our region’s largest cities are growth and development hubs – cultural, academic, scientific, and medical centers – which we support with funds appropriate to their roles. Bydgoszcz, because of its potential and population, is naturally our priority. We have four regional hospitals here and also the most important cultural institutions – Opera Nova and the Pomeranian Philharmonic. We’re doing our job for this city, and we’re doing it well,” emphasizes Marshal Piotr Całbecki.
ZIT BydOF Governs Itself
The Integrated Territorial Investments Association of the Bydgoszcz Functional Area (ZIT of the Bydgoszcz Metropolis, ZIT BydOF) includes Bydgoszcz and 19 counties and municipalities in the central-western part of the region. Under our regional program, European Funds for Kujawy and Pomorze (FEdKP), and based on an agreement signed two years ago, the regional self-government entrusted the Bydgoszcz Metropolis with the management of 104 million euro.
These funds are managed by the municipal government of Bydgoszcz, acting as an intermediary institution, to which the regional self-government has delegated essentially all authority related to managing the funds. In practice, this means that ZIT BydOF has independently determined its investment priorities and is now implementing them by launching project financing. Investment priorities include the purchase of low-emission public transport vehicles and improvements to the local public transportation system.
FEdKP halfway point: 250 million euro in agreements
But ZIT funds are not the only ones in play—Bydgoszcz-based entities are also applying for FEdKP funds under general rules. At the halfway point of the program’s implementation, we have signed 47 financing agreements with beneficiaries (both through the intermediary and managing institutions, i.e., the regional government) totaling 250 million PLN, which corresponds to the launch of projects worth 350 million PLN. These include initiatives by the city government or its agencies, such as purchases of modern tram fleets, the revitalization of Kościelecki Square, the fourth stage of the Rother Mills adaptation, conversion of a building for a youth center for those on the autism spectrum, and initiatives to improve vocational education.
Bydgoszcz’s NGOs, Catholic Church institutions, and private entities are also actively pursuing funding. Their projects include expanding care service networks and initiatives for social inclusion and the social economy.
Marshal’s Investments: Culture
Among the most significant and anticipated urban investments are those carried out by the regional self-government through its institutions. Chief among them are the ongoing expansion of Opera Nova and the advanced preparatory works for the expansion of the Pomeranian Philharmonic.
The fourth ring of the opera complex—a four-story wing with 6,000 square meters of usable space and a volume of 40,000 cubic meters—will feature a chamber opera hall (with an orchestra pit for 70 musicians and seating for 500), exhibition space, a cinema room, and a viewing terrace overlooking the Brda River. A two-level underground car park will offer 200 parking spaces. The investment is valued at 170 million PLN.
The long-awaited and ambitious expansion of the Pomeranian Philharmonic is now the region’s most important cultural investment. Following initial difficulties in securing government funding, we decided at the end of last year to proceed with this 300 million PLN project using regional funds, despite the significant financial burden. The Philharmonic is an institution of such standing that it justifies every cent invested in it! Fortunately, this year we secured partial government support (50 million PLN) through the FENiKS program.
Rounding out the list of regional cultural investments in Bydgoszcz is the bold modernization and expansion of the Regional and Municipal Public Library. Plans include conservation and adaptation works on historic buildings, a glass roof over the courtyard, a new storage facility, and equipment purchases. New features will include a year-round cultural event space, a children’s picture book studio, and a game room. Total cost: 40 million PLN.
It’s also worth noting that the regional self-government is supporting prestigious Bydgoszcz cultural events—namely, the Bydgoszcz Music Festival and Bydgoszcz Opera Festival—with a total of 1.6 million this year PLN.
Marshal’s Investments: Healthcare
We have earmarked 150 million PLN in the regional budget for the expansion and modernization of the main building complex of the Regional Oncology Center, including equipment purchases. Most of the funding is expected from the Ministry of Health. After the cancellation of the initial funding call, during which the center—one of the country’s top oncology hospitals—was awarded 300 million PLN, the hospital is reapplying in a new competition. The regional assembly has issued an official appeal urging the health minister to allocate the funds. The estimated cost of the investment exceeds half a billion PLN.
Other healthcare projects include the construction of a new wing for organ diagnostics at the Regional Children’s Hospital, a Mental Health Center at the Bydgoszcz Mental Health Clinic, and equipment purchases for the Pulmonology Center and the Infectious Diseases Hospital.
Zawisza Hall – Supporting the City
Regional budget funds are co-financing the construction of a new training hall in the Zawisza sports complex at 163 Gdańska Street. This 10,000 cubic meter facility—crucial for hosting the Kujawy-Pomorze 2026 Indoor Athletics World Championships—will include two levels. The underground level will house a modern shooting range with 50-, 25-, and 10-meter lanes, while the ground floor will feature a six-lane, 200-meter indoor track with seating for 300 spectators.
Construction is scheduled for completion next year.
Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson for the Marshal’s Office
April 24, 2025