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Fuzja: A Double Victory in Cannes

The Fuzja project in Łódź has secured a remarkable double win at the prestigious MIPIM Awards, taking home accolades in the categories of Best Urban Regeneration Project and Special Jury Award. This international recognition highlights the transformative revitalization of an 8-hectare former industrial site, led by Echo Investment Group – Archicom. The project, designed by the renowned architectural studio Medusa Group, impressed global audiences with its commitment to sustainable development and the restoration of a historical urban space for the local community.

Once a symbol of industrial power, the landscape of Łódź is undergoing a striking transformation, blending its rich heritage with modern urban living. Fuzja stands at the heart of this change, reclaiming the site of the historic Scheibler textile empire that thrived between the 19th and 20th centuries. As one of Poland’s most distinctive investments, Fuzja exemplifies Echo Investment Group’s vision of creating cities where people can live, work, and enjoy life in welcoming, multifunctional spaces.

The project reimagines the former industrial complex as a ’15-minute city,’ inspired by urban planner Carlos Moreno. Spread over 8 hectares, Fuzja integrates 90,000 sqm of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces across 22 buildings, 15 of which are historic landmarks. The southern part of the complex is already open, featuring the beautifully restored Scheibler Power Plant and the Anna Gardens, named in honor of Anna Scheibler. Meanwhile, the northern section is undergoing further revitalization, including the development of two residential lofts. Fuzja combines office spaces, retail and service outlets, cultural venues, dining establishments, residential units, and open green areas with pedestrian pathways and plazas.

Historic structures have been carefully restored, transforming into vibrant spaces for restaurants, cafes, and shops. New buildings complement the industrial heritage, including two modern office buildings and four new residential blocks. CitySpace, one of Poland’s leading serviced office providers, has also established its presence within the complex.

“The former Scheibler textile factory site had been neglected for years. Through this revitalization, we have not only restored its former glory but also created a lively, diverse space for the local community. Fuzja is a multifunctional, inclusive project that redefines urban living. We are proud that this vision has been recognized internationally with the prestigious MIPIM Award, celebrating the hard work and dedication of the teams involved,” said Nicklas Lindberg, CEO of Echo Investment.

Waldemar Olbryk, CEO of Archicom, added: “We design spaces that inspire and invite people to engage. Fuzja reflects modern urban trends like sustainability, shared economy, and eco-friendly mobility. Every key facility is accessible via pedestrian routes, bicycles, or public transport. Fuzja sets a new benchmark for developing people-friendly urban spaces and exemplifies the 15-minute city concept.”

Fuzja is being developed with a strong ESG focus. A significant part of the project is dedicated to green spaces, which will cover 35% of the complex. The site is car-free, prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist traffic. Historical buildings are restored using conservative preservation methods, while new constructions utilize eco-friendly materials and maximize existing structures. The project’s environmental standards are underscored by its BREEAM Excellent certification. Fuzja also features rain gardens to naturally retain water and mitigate urban heat islands. The project preserved 15 existing trees and will add 95 new plantings to enhance the landscape.

Echo Investment Group – Archicom was the only Polish developer nominated in this year’s MIPIM Awards, with both Fuzja and Towarowa 22 projects earning recognition. This highlights the international potential and high-quality standards of Poland’s real estate sector.

As Echo Investment Group’s flagship project, Fuzja is redefining urban living in Łódź. Located on the site of the former Scheibler factory, the investment transforms a post-industrial space into a vibrant urban hub, offering cultural, gastronomic, retail, office, and residential spaces, along with green public areas like Anna Gardens. Spanning 8 hectares, the project comprises 22 buildings, 15 of which are historic structures brought back to life as part of Łódź’s urban renewal.

Sylwia Ziemacka
Sylwia Ziemacka
“I believe our unique selling point is that we focus on what brings us together. Poland Weekly offers something you will not find anywhere else: a truly international and unifying perspective focused on content that builds cooperation and mutual understanding. This attitude doesn't make us naïve, but it allows us to focus on mutual understanding and a search for solutions. There are so many new challenges that we are all facing, such as energy transformation, climate change and supply chain disruption, to name but a few. By working together and sharing good practices, we can achieve so much more.”
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