Zamość Moves to Protect Strategic Investment Land

10 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Zamość seeks state help to protect strategic investment land after Black Red White closed a factory and proposed a large housing estate.

The city of Zamość moved to protect strategic investment land after Black Red White closed its furniture plant. Consequently, the firm proposed a housing estate on the 11.3 hectare site instead of production.

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Background: factory closure and developer plan

In spring Black Red White decided to close its furniture plant on Kilińskiego Street. The company cited weaker exports, higher energy costs, rising transport prices and wage increases. Therefore the firm said it must optimise operations. As a result 160 workers lost their jobs. Moreover this plant ranked among the city’s largest employers. In addition BRW applied for a residential project under the so-called Lex Developer law. The plan envisaged seven apartment blocks with 242 flats and underground garages.

Why the city resists residential scheme

City councillors rejected the developer’s request despite a 2 million zloty offer for road repair. They argued the location suits industry, not housing. Nearby businesses include a concrete plant, a grain mill and a refrigerated transport firm. Consequently residents moving in could file noise complaints. Therefore these companies might face operational limits. In turn that could cost more local jobs. Furthermore council members highlighted long-term planning goals. They fear piecemeal residential conversion will shrink the city’s industrial land stock.

strategic investment land: state interest and ARP request

Yesterday Mayor Rafał Zwolak asked the Industrial Development Agency, Agencja Rozwoju Przemysłu (ARP), to consider protecting the site. The property belongs to the State Treasury, while BRW holds long-term usage rights. Therefore the mayor appealed for a state-level solution. He stressed the land sits near the eastern NATO border. Hence it has potential for logistics, production and defence uses. Moreover the mayor sees a chance to support the wider Eastern Wall of Poland in future regional rebuilding efforts. In addition ARP has experience repurposing strategic sites. Thus the city offered full technical documentation and speedy administrative support if ARP pursues acquisition. The mayor also argued that timing matters. Consequently securing control now could allow favourable negotiations before land values rise.

The debate links local economic policy with national security goals. Moreover it shows the tension between immediate job creation via housing and long-term industrial strategy. Also the case illustrates how Polish land arrangements work. For example many former state plots remain in perpetual usufruct, a form of long-term usage right. Therefore ownership and control can affect buyers and planners.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live here, check local zoning rules (MPZP). Perpetual usufruct (“użytkowanie wieczyste”) gives firms long-use rights on state land. Lex Developer lets some projects skip local procedures. ZUS means the social insurance institution. NFZ is the public health insurer. PESEL is your national ID number. Therefore noise complaints can change a business’s operating hours. Consequently new residents sometimes unintentionally threaten nearby jobs. In addition talk to the municipal office before buying property near industrial zones.

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