Forum Gdańsk: The largest shopping center in the Tricity
- Damian Brzeski
- Jul 21, 2024
- 8 min read
Forum Gdańsk is one of the newest and largest shopping centers in the Tricity. Opened in 2018, the complex quickly gained popularity thanks to its modern architecture, rich commercial offer and convenient location in the heart of Gdańsk.
It is a place that combines shopping, entertainment and culture in one spacious and comfortable facility covering almost 100,000 square meters.
History and Construction of the Largest Shopping Center in Tricity
The first stage of construction of Forum Gdańsk began in 2015 . The complex was built in the revitalized area of Targ Sienny and Targ Rakowy. Initially, the project was called Forum Radunia, referring to the Radunia canal flowing nearby.
The project was an ambitious undertaking carried out in cooperation with the city and the PKP group.
The architecture of Forum Gdańsk is a unique combination of modern design and historic elements.
About one third of the center's area is green areas, where 33,000 plants of 80 species have been planted. There are also two historic trees in the center - a chestnut tree and an ash tree.
And along the main avenue of the center flows the Radunia Canal, which inspired the creators of the previous name of the shopping center " Forum Radunia ", adding a unique character to the facility.
Forum Gdańsk is an impressive facility with an area of 62,000 m², visited by 12.5 million customers annually. The center has 220 shops and a multi-storey car park with 1,100 spaces.
During the construction of Forum Gdańsk, controversy occurred regarding the valuation of land. According to MP Kacper Płażyński, the land for the construction of the shopping center was sold at a low price, which was supposed to be unfavorable for the city.
The dispute over land valuation caused a lot of emotion and attracted the attention of the media and public opinion.
During the implementation of the project, problems also occurred related to the discovery of the double bottom of the Radunia Canal. The Radunia Canal, which runs through the Forum Gdańsk shopping center under construction, has been rebuilt on a 90 m section.
Some of the community was afraid that we would end up seeing an artificial river, but the officials reassured us that not much would change visually, and the reconstruction would protect the shopping facility from the possible stench of polluted water.
The matter was recalled by members of the Forum for the Development of the Gdańsk Agglomeration (FRAG), who revealed a fragment of the Radunia canal reconstruction project on the section running through the Gdańsk Forum.
It showed that the water would flow on two levels and only the upper level would be exposed, while the lower one would be hidden underground.
An important element of the project was also the construction of the Water Craft - the new headquarters of the Institute of Urban Culture.
Kunszt Wodny is a cultural space that combines history with modernity, offering residents and tourists a place for various cultural events, concerts, exhibitions and other attractions.
However, the construction of the Waterworks encountered delays. Work on the facility was completed in the third quarter of 2019, but the formalities related to handing over the building to the city were prolonged due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Finally, the Aquatic Arts Center officially opened in September 2023. In total, it took almost 5 years to complete the project compared to the original plan to put the facility into use for residents and tourists.
Water Art in Gdańsk, What it used to be, what it is now
Kunszt Wodny in Gdańsk is a hydrotechnical facility whose roots date back to the 16th century. It originally served as a pump station, ensuring adequate pressure in the city's waterworks.
The first Water Craft was built in the mid-16th century near Brama Wyżynna, and then rebuilt at Targ Rakowy after being destroyed as a result of the war with King Stefan Batory in 1577.
History of Water Crafts in Gdańsk
First Water Art: It was built around 1550 to help supply water to the city, using a system of pumps powered by water from the Radunia Canal.
In the years 1573-1576, the "new Water Craft" was built, destroyed in 1577 during the war. It was rebuilt in the years 1584-1593, equipped with an underground water supply system.
Modernization by Adam Wiebe: At the beginning of the 17th century, the Water Craft was modernized by the engineer Adam Wiebe, who improved the water mechanisms, ensuring better functionality of Gdańsk's water supply system.
Decline and Reconstruction: After a fire in 1852, the Waterworks ceased to function, and its final demolition took place around 1920. During World War II, remains of the gear wheels were still visible in the Radunia Canal.
Contemporary Watercraft
As part of the construction of the Forum Gdańsk complex, a modern building called the Water Craft was built. It is the new headquarters of the Institute of Urban Culture (IKM) and combines cultural and tourist functions.
The facility opened in September 2021 after numerous delays mainly caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Functions and Interiors: The Water Art Gallery includes, among others: a tourist information point, an original cinema, a bookstore, a bistro, workshop rooms, studios, an auditorium and a model of downtown Gdańsk.
The installation with pumps pumping water to the roof, from where it cascades down the glass elements, refers to the historical mechanism of the Water Craft.
Architecture: The Water Craft Building consists of two parts located on both sides of the Radunia Canal, and its façade is decorated with copper sheets, which refers to the buildings of the Main Town.
The structure creates a unique space that is both modern and immersed in the historical context of Gdańsk.
Water Art is an example of how you can combine historical heritage with modern solutions, creating a cultural space that is available to all residents and tourists visiting Gdańsk.
Shops and Services in Forum Lista
Forum Gdańsk offers over 220 stores, including flagship fashion brands, electronics stores, cosmetics stores and many others. Here are some of the most important stores:
Zara: Popular Spanish clothing brand offering modern and stylish clothes for women, men and children. Zara is known for fast fashion, often introducing new collections that reflect the latest fashion trends.
H&M: A Swedish chain of casual and elegant fashion stores that offers a wide selection of clothes and accessories at affordable prices. H&M is famous for its diverse collections, which it often co-creates with famous designers and celebrities.
Media Markt: One of the largest electronics and household appliances stores, offering modern technological solutions. Media Markt offers a wide selection of products, from TVs and computers to kitchen appliances and smartphones.
Sephora: A French perfumery and drugstore where you can find a wide selection of cosmetics, perfumes and skin care products. Sephora offers both its own brand products and luxury cosmetics from well-known global brands.
Empik: Polish store with books, music, films, stationery and various gadgets. Empik is a place where you can find both literary bestsellers and the latest music and film hits.
Reserved: Polish clothing brand offering fashionable clothes for women, men and children. Reserved is known for its elegant collections and stylish clothing for every occasion.
Decathlon: French chain of sports stores offering a wide selection of clothing, footwear and sports equipment for various disciplines. Decathlon is famous for high-quality sports products at affordable prices.
CCC: Polish shoe store with a wide range of shoes for the whole family. CCC offers a variety of models, from elegant high heels to sports sneakers.
Douglas: German perfumery offering luxury cosmetics, perfumes and skin care products. Douglas is known for its wide range of exclusive cosmetic brands.
TK Maxx: An international chain of stores offering branded clothing, footwear, accessories and home goods at attractive prices. TK Maxx attracts customers with the opportunity to find products of famous brands at reduced prices.
The shopping center also has a wide range of services, including the largest multi-screen cinema in Tricity, a fitness club, numerous restaurants and cafes.
Thanks to this, everyone will find something for themselves, regardless of age and interests.
Other shops and service points in Forum Gdańsk:
New Yorker: Youth fashion store offering clothes and accessories in a modern style.
Bershka: A Spanish clothing brand aimed at young people, known for its fashionable and affordable collections.
Stradivarius: A clothing brand offering elegant and casual clothes for young women.
Pull&Bear: A casual fashion store for young people, offering clothes inspired by the latest trends.
C&A: An international chain of clothing stores offering clothes for the whole family at affordable prices.
SMYK: A store with clothing, toys and accessories for children.
Kazar: Polish footwear brand offering elegant leather shoes and accessories.
Gino Rossi: Elegant footwear and leather goods store.
LPP: Polish clothing company that owns brands such as Reserved, Cropp, House, Mohito and Sinsay.
Mango: Spanish clothing brand offering stylish clothes for women.
Pandora: A jewelry store best known for its personalized bracelets and charms.
Apart: Polish jewelry brand offering a wide selection of jewelry and watches.
Inglot: Polish cosmetic brand known for high-quality makeup products.
Rossmann: German drugstore offering a wide selection of cosmetics, care products and household products.
Nike: American sports brand offering clothing, footwear and sports equipment.
Adidas: German sports brand known for innovative products for athletes.
Reebok: An international sports brand offering sports clothing and footwear.
4F: Polish sports brand offering sports clothing and equipment for various disciplines.
Skechers: American footwear brand known for comfortable sports and casual footwear.
Home&You: An interior decoration store offering a wide selection of home products.
Tiger: A store with a variety of gadgets, office supplies and decorations.
Pepco: A store with clothing, home goods and toys at affordable prices.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen: A Danish chain of stores offering a variety of everyday items, gadgets and decorations.
Forum Gdańsk is a comprehensive shopping center that provides a wide selection of stores and services, meeting the needs of various customers.
Forum Gdańsk is not only shopping, but also a place of numerous cultural and entertainment events. Concerts, exhibitions and other attractions are regularly organized in public spaces, such as the city square or the boulevard along the Radunia Canal.
Practical Information for Visitors of Forum Gdańsk
Gallery Opening Hours
Forum Gdańsk Shopping Center is open at the following hours:
Monday - Saturday: 09:00 - 21:00
Trading Sunday: 09:00 - 21:00
Non-trading Sunday: Selected open premises (including Helios cinema, CityFit gym, Lider playground)
The EUROSPAR store has extended opening hours:
Monday - Saturday: 08:00 - 22:00
Trading Sunday: 09:00 - 21:00
Shopping and Non-Shopping Sundays
In Poland, there are regulations regarding commercial and non-trading Sundays. On non-trading Sundays, most shops are closed, but selected premises in Forum Gdańsk, such as the Helios cinema, CityFit gym, Food Points and Lider playground, remain open.
Parking
Forum Gdańsk offers a large parking lot available to customers 24 hours a day. The entrance to the parking lot is from 3 Maja Street. The parking lot is divided into several levels and offers parking spaces for disabled people and families with children.
Parking price list:
For Helios cinema customers: The first 3 hours of parking are free.
For City Fit and Media Markt customers: The first 2 hours of parking are free upon presentation of a parking ticket.
Standard fee: PLN 6 per hour of parking.
The parking office is located on level +2, and in case of problems, such as losing a ticket, you can contact us by phone at 661 551 882.
Taxi rank at Forum Gdańsk
One of the problems that visitors to a shopping center in Gdańsk encounter is finding a taxi rank. This is due to the rather unfortunate location of the shopping complex, sandwiched between three main communication arteries.
The official Gdańsk Taxis rank is located on the side of the Post Office building, at the back of the Waterworks building, opposite the main exit from the Building, on level 0.
Forum Gdańsk is a modern shopping center that offers not only a wide selection of shops and services, but also convenient parking conditions and flexible opening hours, which makes shopping and spending time there even more comfortable and pleasant.
This place is bustling with life all year round, offering residents and tourists unforgettable experiences.
The shopping center is friendly to families with children, offering numerous attractions such as playgrounds and special promotional offers aimed at families. Thanks to this, Forum Gdańsk is an ideal place to spend time together.
Practical Information
Forum Gdańsk is open all week long, offering convenient time for shopping and entertainment. Exact opening hours can be found on the center's website.
The website of the shopping center in Gdańsk also provides assistance for visitors, including contact information and helpful tips on navigating the complex, as well as a current list of tenants.
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