During a meeting with the Committee for Development, Entrepreneurship and Spatial Development of the Municipal Office of Łomża, representatives of Echo Investment development company presented an architectural concept for the Cultural Center of Łomża, which is scheduled for erection in Zawadzka Street.

The concept was developed by 2G Architectural Office - architect Wojciech Gwizdak. The Town intends to carry out the investment project within the scope of the proposed long-term city development plans covering development of a quarter of Zawadzka, Gen. Sikorskiego and Kard. Wyszyńskiego Streets. The concept is financed by Echo Investment in its cooperation with the town with respect to development of areas in Zawadzka Street. The Company intends to build a modern, multi-purpose center called GALERIA VENEDA in the above mentioned area at Gen. Sikorskiego Street.

The concept of the Cultural Center of Łomża was developed on the basis of a functional program specified by the Town. The Center shall serve the development of various fields of art and, primarily, integration of the inhabitants of Łomża. The center shall comprise, among other facilities: a multifunctional show room containing ca. 1000 seats with backstage facilities, room for the Arts & Culture Club, smaller rooms, practice room, auditorium, art rooms, exhibition gallery. The building also comprises recreation functions, such as: stores, restaurant, bowling alley (these are available from the outside and the inside of the building and therefore may operate independently).

According to the author of the concept, the building of the Center was located along Zawadzka Street. The main entrance, which is situated in the part facing the yard on the side of that street, is highlighted with arcades. The space of the entrance lobby is a place from which all functions of the building are accessible. The whole complex is supplemented with an open-air summer auditorium, which is an integral part of the park establishment. Architectural layout of the facility was designed in a social and well-balanced manner, with due care for details.

According to Mr. Krzysztof Giemza, architect and Director of the Commercial Projects Division at Echo Investment, engagement of a private company in preparation of a public utility building concept is, on one hand, a model example of public-private partnership and proof of the town authorities’ efficiency in realizing social goals and, on the other hand, an example of modern investor’s approach. ‘Today’s investors may not restrict themselves to implementation of investment objectives, but they must openly, consciously and responsibly participate in creating the city space. A town is not only a place for commercial facilities, but also public functions, such as communication, recreation, arts and culture. Only proper combination of these functions constitutes social utility, thus contributing to a success of the entire project. Therefore, it is a good thing that we as the investor may participate in creating the city planning order, as our involvement as early as at this stage will enable preparation of a consistent and effective concept. As an urban planner, I am glad we have been incorporated in the process of conscious formation of the city',  says Krzysztof Giemza.
‘Echo Investment bases on its long experience achieved in implementation of nearly twenty projects of shopping and shopping/entertainment centers all over Poland. Our centers are visited by several tens of millions of customers a year, we regularly cooperate with more than 300 companies, including both large chains and local entrepreneurs.  Many of our sites, such as Galaxy of Szczecin, Galeria Echo of Kielce, or Pasaż Grunwaldzki of Wrocław are top class buildings functioning as regional centers. As the investor, we have the proper knowledge, experience and financial background to develop another center in Łomża, worthy of the region. This is particularly the case because the project to erect Galeria Veneda is a response to social demands – in a poll held by the town authorities in 2006, more than 80% of inhabitants of Łomża supported the plan to build this center’, adds Mr. Giemza.    

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GALERIA VENEDA is an advanced shopping center planned in Łomża at Zawadzka Street.
The center, covering an area in excess of 18,000 sq. m, will comprise a mall with ca. 60 stores, a Real hypermarket and a parking lot for more than 600 vehicles.

Realization of the building is an investment project worth ca. 80 million PLN and its completion will mean the following for Łomża: 500 new jobs, 870,000 PLN of the town’s monthly revenues from taxes, and an additional 4,600,000 PLN invested in road infrastructure. In addition, the investor has agreed to develop an architectural concept of the Cultural Center of Łomża, which is planned in the immediate vicinity of Galeria Veneda.