SCENARIOS FOR THE RENEWAL OF SMALL TOWNS . CHALLENGES AND PROBLEMS OF REVITALISATION IN SELECTED CENTRES OF THE VOIVODESHIP OF VARMIA AND MASURIA

Abstract

The main research objective of this paper is to assess the spatial aspects of the revitalisation of small towns in the Voivodeship of Varmia and Masuria on the example of Kisielice, Lubawa and Węgorzewo . The selected towns were destroyed during World War II on a scale of more than 70% of their built-up area . They represent different forms of post-war reconstruction and have a diverse scale and nature of contemporary functional and spatial challenges . The article analyses the effectiveness of urban regeneration tools in the form of local revitalisation programmes (LPR) and the supra-local revitalisation programme within the Cittaslow network for the processes of physical renewal of urban fabric . The primary research method was the analysis of strategic and development documents drawn at various levels . In addition, study visits to the examined towns were conducted, and use was made of the consulting and advising experience offered to local governments as well as expert interviews . Both local programmes and the supra-local programme have played an essential role in the regeneration process of the towns under study, both spatially, functionally and as a platform for promotion and cooperation . However, the organisational and legal framework to date is not flawless and does not meet the current needs of local authorities . The introduction of the Revitalisation Act in 2015 and the implementation of new solutions in the form of municipal revitalisation programmes (GPR) were an attempt to overcome the low effectiveness of the existing tools . The new solutions provide an opportunity to continue ongoing projects and to start a new urban renewal and development stage . This is particularly important in a region facing enormous demographic, social and economic challenges and the still-felt repercussions of the Second World War and the subsequent spatial changes .