New Life for Gdańsk’s Historic Hala Targowa
From Market Hall to Vibrant Urban Hub – Apsys Revitalization Project
Built in the late 19th century, Gdańsk’s Hala Targowa is undergoing a transformative revitalization to become a pulsing urban destination where unique culinary experiences converge with a rich cultural offering. This space will be full of flavor, energy, and inspiration. The project is led by Apsys—a leader in European historic restorations.
The 141 million PLN revitalization is another in Apsys’s portfolio of transforming heritage sites into modern, vibrant destinations.
Notably, Apsys spearheaded the iconic revitalization of the Israel Poznański factory in Łódź, now known as Manufaktura—an achievement that cemented its position in Poland as a specialist in converting complex historic sites into thriving hubs thanks to expertise, determination, and creative vision. Apsys continues similar projects in Wrocław (Nowa Stawowa lofts) and in France (Solferino in Paris, Neyrpic in Grenoble, and the Canopia district in Bordeaux).
An Ambitious Mixed‑Use Project in Central Gdańsk
Reviving the Hala Targowa is one of Poland’s most ambitious mixed-use undertakings currently underway.
“Each project of this nature presents immense challenges and requires a bespoke approach. We balance the historic character of the building with modern sustainable technologies,” says Cyryl Plumecoq, Operations Director at Apsys Poland.. “Our experiences in Łódź, Wrocław, and France are crucial here.” .
The revitalization began in January 2025, with sandblasting and drilling for geothermal heat pumps. This summer, structural work commenced—reinforcing floors and extending the first level—key for enabling the Hall’s new gastronomic and cultural functions, yet invisible to the neighborhood.
– “Everything we undertake aims to breathe new life into the Hala Targowa. The scale is enormous, and working in a historic setting brings unexpected hurdles, but thanks to our experience, all stages are progressing as planned,” explains Jan Oko, Project Manager at Apsys Poland.
A Unique Culinary Concept
The goal of the renovation is to establish a bold new culinary and cultural landmark in Gdańsk. Hala will host an innovative food concept across three levels:
Top floor: four full-service restaurants
Ground floor: a gastronomic hall with numerous global cuisine vendors
Level –1: the traditional market space—fresh produce offered in a modernized format
“Even before purchase, over 80% of the space was pre‑leased, illustrating investor confidence. Adapting historic kiosk stalls requires tailored solutions, but tenants appreciate the uniqueness and potential,” says Katarzyna Kopszak‑Dziurnikowska, Head of Development at Apsys Poland.
Apsys’s expertise in mixed-use revitalization is evident in projects like Poznań’s Food Fyrtel and Manufaktura’s Market Square, which feature dozens of gastronomic concepts, as well as Paris’s Boom Boom Villette, offering both food and entertainment.
– “Revitalizing the Market Hall is more than an investment — it reshapes urban fabric. We’re creating sustainable, vibrant spaces that honor heritage and serve the public,” adds Katarzyna Kopszak‑Dziurnikowska.
The Right Team and Creative Vision. Interior design is by Boris Kudlička with Partners, renowned for public and cultural design in Poland and beyond. The founder, scenographer Boris Kudlička, is a long-time collaborator with Warsaw’s National Opera and soon-to-be its director (as of September).
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Managing Complex Heritage Work
Apsys’s seasoned project management is key in coordinating restoration within Gdańsk’s city center, requiring compliance with the Conservator of Monuments’ guidelines. Initial physical restoration included:
Sandblasting steel structure
84 geothermal boreholes to 100 m
Careful archæological excavation
– “Each borehole was documented and analyzed. Soil samples were sent for testing as required by conservation authorities,” states Jan Oko.
The final goal is a geothermal heat pump system and glycol-based HVAC — modern and eco-friendly, yet respectful of heritage constraints.
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Proven Know‑How and Social Vision.
Hala Targowa project demonstrates Apsys’s capability to manage interdisciplinary, detail-oriented urban projects and to create revitalized spaces in dialogue with heritage. Like in Łódź and France, Apsys proves that revitalization is a strategic, community-centric urban vision requiring experience, ethics, and foresight.
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