3S RECIPE – Smart Shrinkage Solutions: Łódź (PL) Policy Brief #3. Liveability

This policy brief refers to a so far partially successful solution for urban renewal in a city inhabited by almost 700 thousand people. Łódź is a former old industrial centre, which is located in the heart of Poland. The city is still coping with the results of deep economic restructuring and ongoing population loss. The broadly defined issue of urban regeneration, especially of the historical core of Łódź, ranks high in the public agenda.  To deal with those problems, The Urban Renewal Programme for Łódź 2026+ was approved in 2017. This document is a significant step forward regarding the issue of long-term, integrative, strategic planning. Nonetheless, it could be further improved. A more comprehensive approach to urban renewal, one that more explicitly focuses on social issues, should be considered. The brief suggests policy recommendations aimed at developing a more resilient and effective approach to urban renewal.