Before revitalisation
Nikiszowiec is a district of Katowice with a unique and captivating atmosphere. Its history of more than a century is rich in many significant events.
The workers’ housing estate Nikiszowiec was built between 1908 and 1915 (the second phase of construction between 1920 and 1924) on the territory of the Janów municipality. The name comes from the „Nickisch” shaft, built in 1906. The estate was designed by cousins Emil and Georg Zillmann, authors of several other projects in the area, including the 'garden city’ of Giszowiec, located 3 km to the south.
During the Silesian uprisings (1919-1921), and especially during the first uprising, fierce battles were fought in Nikiszowiec for the incorporation of Upper Silesia into Poland. The events of those times are recounted in Kazimierz Kutz’s interesting film Salt of the Black Earth. At the end of the second decade of the 20th century, Nikiszowiec had about 7,000 inhabitants.
In 1927, a magnificent Neo-Baroque-style church was opened in the central part of the district, the construction of which had already begun before the outbreak of the First World War. Before the Second World War, during the years of the Great Depression, miners’ strikes took place in Nikiszowiec. The miners fought for better living conditions and higher wages. In turn, another film by Kazimierz Kutz, „Pearl in the Crown”, tells about this period. In 1960 Nikiszowiec was annexed to Katowice. In 1963, a sports hall with an ice rink was built for the club GKS Naprzód Janów. The club declared bankruptcy in 1997 and the facilities were not rebuilt until February 2000. Since 1978, Nikiszowiec, which has been recognised as a historic building, has been under conservation protection. By a decree of the President of the Republic of Poland of 14 January 2011. Nikiszowiec was declared a Monument of History.
After revitalisation
The revitalisation of Nikoszowiec is being carried out through the participation of the City of Katowice in the Nodus Project. The Integrated Revitalisation Programme for Nikiszowiec is carried out using the participatory method – in cooperation with the local community, entrepreneurs or local associations. By coordinating cooperation, the city ensures reliable implementation of projects, and the participation of the local community helps to preserve the unique character of the district. Opening up to cooperation with regional entities allows for a broader view of Nikiszowiec’s needs and strengthens the relationship between the city of Katowice and its citizens. The perfectly preserved workers’ housing estate attracts both entrepreneurs and potential residents.
