Transformation Directions of Brownfields: The Case of the Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolis

Abstract

Brownfields are remnants of the functional and spatial transformations of urban areas in Poland. They are particularly abundant in old industrial districts, based on coal mining and metallurgy. The aim of this study is to identify the transformation directions and functional changes of brownfields in the former Upper Silesian Industrial Region in southern Poland, which has evolved into the Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolis (GZM) through the process of socio-economic transformation. The study makes use of the χ2 test of independence and Cramer’s V as a post-test, and the method of in-depth interviews. The results indicate that the most popular new functions of post-industrial sites are production and services. When we consider large brownfields such as, in particular, disused mine dumps, dumping sites, settling ponds and workings, the most popular new form of land use is green spaces. Moreover, the study shows that the size of brownfields impacts their new forms of land use.

Land recycling, food security and Technosols

“…Pytel et al (2021) [22] proposed 8 possible transformation uses of brownfields, such as "cultural, didactic, natural, silvicultural, aquatic, economic, recreational and agricultural". In addition, we provide another option for brownfields reused, closely related to provision of ecosystem services, such as construction of wetlands or areas for water purification and run-off regulation [23] .…”

“…Many cities use urban waste compost for urban agriculture [28] , and consider viable incorporation of wastes as a substrate for plant species with agricultural utility [29,30] . Some constraints in the allocation of intended use are size of brownfields (areas between 1 and 20 hectares are suitable for green spaces) [22] , soil state (contamination, fertility, among others) [23,31] , and previous use mainly related to whether it has been sealed or not. Possibly this is due to the fact that brownfields of heavy industries show high rates of contaminated soils, so to avoid high costs of remediation, they are usually destined for secondary development [18] .…”

“…Possibly this is due to the fact that brownfields of heavy industries show high rates of contaminated soils, so to avoid high costs of remediation, they are usually destined for secondary development [18] . Therefore, in the decision of the new use, economic criteria have priority over environmental or social ones [22,32] . Despite the fact that other interests prevail in the decision of the new use of brownfields, the relevance of the environmental benefits is unquestionable.…”

“…In other matters, Pytel et al (2021) [22] provide the most common form of land use in Poland is green spaces, mainly in previous landfills or mine dumps, where there is not an impervious layer. Followed by secondary use mainly associated with post-industrial brownfields.…”

“…The area occupied by derelict and urban vacant land in Scotland in 2019 is 10,936 hectares, and only 20% of it considered uneconomic to develop or viewed as suitable to reclaim for a 'soft 'use [35] . Consequently, Pytel et al (2021) [22] consider that new use of recycled land tends to coincide with the use immediately prior to the one that ended up in disuse, as its reconversion is cheaper and easier. Still, in Scotland in 2019, 405 hectares of 10,936 urban vacant hectares previously used for agricultural purposes, and only 13 hectares brought back into agriculture use [35] .…”