Plans have been announced by FR Investments Bemowo, a company linked to the Hungarian firm Futureal, to demolish the Galeria Bemowo shopping center located near Bemowo Airport in Warsaw, with intentions to construct a residential complex intended to accommodate nearly 3,000 individuals. This controversial project comes amidst a backdrop of declining foot traffic in shopping malls and a growing demand for housing within the city.
The proposed development involves tearing down the existing shopping center, which opened in 1999, along with a multi-level parking structure and a cinema, to make way for seven new residential buildings ranging in height from four to six stories. It is estimated that the new housing estate would consist of 1,215 apartments, effectively providing homes for up to 2,974 residents.
According to company documents, the current green space covers only about 14% of the concreted area surrounding the shopping center, but once the construction is complete, this could rise to 20%. If green roofs are factored in, this total could reach a remarkable 40%, adding valuable ecological benefits in an urban context.
Despite these potential improvements, concerns have been raised regarding the site’s proximity to the airport, where noise levels reach between 55 to 60 decibels, making it less than ideal for residential living. However, developers have pointed out that there are existing residential complexes located in even noisier environments. Traffic noise on nearby streets reportedly exceeds 65 decibels, indicating that some nearby areas already accept higher noise levels.
This redevelopment is part of a larger pattern in Warsaw, where shopping complexes are being transformed into residential spaces as consumer habits shift. G-City, an international development firm, has also announced similar plans for the Dom Mody Klif shopping center, which will be replaced by nine multi-family residential buildings featuring commercial services on the ground floor.
Recent analysis has shown a stark decline in customer visits to shopping malls throughout Warsaw. In January and February of 2025, mall patronage fell by 7% year-over-year, with the frequency of visits decreasing by 11% and overall visit duration shortening by 3%. Many consumers now prefer shopping at discount stores or through online avenues, fueling this shift.
The potential for this residential project hinges on the housing special law—referred to as lex deweloper—which allows development even in the absence of a local development plan, especially on land deemed military in nature, such as the site of the Bemowo Airport. As the company has not yet submitted a formal request, initial preparations for the project are underway.
The development's early acceptance indicates a pivotal change in Warsaw's urban landscape, where limited available land is pushing developers to consider innovative solutions for housing supply. Local stakeholders await further outlines from FR Investments regarding specific timelines and community impacts.
As the city grapples with balancing residential needs and commercial viability, the future of Galeria Bemowo remains uncertain. Will the demolition signal the demise of the shopping era for this location, or will it pave the way for a new vibrant community? Only time will tell as these plans unfold amidst changing consumer habits and urban pressures.
