Zlota Street redevelopment: Warsaw’s green avenue

25 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Zlota Street redevelopment nears completion as Warsaw turns a concrete parking strip into a tree-lined pedestrian avenue. Learn access rules and NC pass steps.

Zlota Street redevelopment is nearly complete in central Warsaw. The city has turned a concrete parking strip into a tree-lined pedestrian avenue.

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Zlota Street redevelopment: the changes in detail

Over two years the city rebuilt Zlota, Zgoda, Jasna and the square by Dom Pod Orłami. It covers 2.5 hectares in Śródmieście. The street now prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists. Moreover cars face access limits through retractable bollards. Currently staff operate the bollards manually. Therefore crews test an automatic system. Consequently the system will read license plates or a special access card. The tunnel under Marszałkowska disappeared. In its place the city built a surface crossing and a water feature with a fountain. The municipality planted 81 elms on Zlota. In addition planners expect nearly 200 trees across the whole quarter. The city added almost 3,000 square metres of new planted surface. It buried stormwater tanks beneath the pavement. Consequently rainwater now irrigates the plantings. Moreover a misting system will reduce heat on hot days. The contractor replaced concrete with historic-style paving stones. Therefore the street mirrors its pre-war alignment.

Access rules, passes and how to apply

The city will start the final traffic arrangement in August. Residents and businesses with parking rights near these streets may apply. Moreover event organisers and maintenance teams may also gain access. The authority uses NC passes to control entry. Currently five NC variants exist: NC, NC-1, NC-2, NC-3 and NCW. Therefore each variant allows access to a precise group of streets. Consequently residents must check which variant matches their address. You can submit the application online. However you must pick up the physical pass in person at Zarzad Dróg Miejskich, known as ZDM. In addition queues could form if many people apply at once. Applicants should bring identity documents and proof of address. For expats that may mean a PESEL (national ID number), or a passport and residency document. Note: PESEL is a Polish national identification number. ZDM will link the card to the plate or issue a card.

Where to park without a pass

Drivers without an NC pass can still park nearby. For example parking exists at Plac Defilad and under Plac Powstańców Warszawy. Moreover the metro Centrum station area offers paid parking. All are within walking distance. Therefore plan your arrival in advance rather than expecting last-minute access to Zlota.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you live or run a business near Zlota, apply for the NC identifier early. You submit the form online, but you must collect the physical pass at ZDM. Bring a passport or PESEL and proof of address. Polish terms: PESEL is your national ID number, ZUS manages social insurance, NFZ handles public healthcare, and a mandat means a fine. Consequently allow time for the in-person pickup. Also note that each NC variant covers only specific streets. Therefore check the exact variant that matches your address before you apply.

Work on the main Zlota-Zgoda quarter will finish in weeks. In autumn the city will open the final segment near the National Philharmonic. Moreover the completed project will change how people use this part of downtown. The transformation favors walking, cycling and green public space. Therefore the area will likely draw more visitors and businesses.

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