Role of Sports Facilities in the Process of Revitalization of Brownfields

Abstract

Abstract. The paper gives an evidence that building a large sports facility can generate beneficial urban space transformation and a significant improvement in the dilapidated urban areas. On the basis of theoretical investigations and case studies it can be proved that sports facilities introduced to urban brownfields could be considered one of the best known large scale revitalization methods. Large urban spaces surrounding sport facilities such as stadiums and other sports arenas create excellent conditions for designing additional recreational function, such as parks and other green areas. Since sports venues are very often located on brownfields and post-industrial spaces, there are usually well related with canals, rivers and other water routes or reservoirs. Such spaces become attractors for large groups of people. This, in effect initiate the process of introducing housing estates to the area and gradually the development of multifunctional urban structure. As research shows such process of favourable urban transformation could be based on implementing several important preconditions. One of the most significant one is the formation of the new communication infrastructure, which links newly formed territories with the well-structured urban core. Well planned program of the new sports facilities is also a very important factor. As research shows multifunctional large sports venues may function in the city as a new kind of public space that stimulates new genres of social relations, offers entertainment and free time activities, not necessarily related with sport. This finally leads to the creation of new jobs and more general improvement of a widely understood image of the district, growing appreciation for the emerging new location and consequently new investments in the neighbouring areas. The research gives new evidence to the ongoing discussion on the drawbacks and benefits of placing stadiums and sports arenas in the urban core.

Utilization of Olympic Stadiums: a conceptual stadium legacy framework

“…Further, a stadium gains attention if other tourist attractions, such as parks or shopping centers, are in the immediate vicinity. Taraszkiewicz and Nyka (2017) visualize clear advantages in locating a stadium (particularly with multiple functionalities) on urban brownfield land near city centers because this can increase the attractiveness of the district (Meyer-Künzel, 2000). Then, the stadium serves as a “new kind of public space that stimulates new genres of social relations, offers entertainment and free time activities, not necessarily related with sport” (Taraszkiewicz and Nyka, 2017, p. 1).…”

“…In addition, an Olympic stadium can be seen as a catalyst for economic development under the conditions noted above. It forms a nucleus for other businesses, attractions and services that settle in its surroundings (Taraszkiewicz and Nyka, 2017). This, in turn, increases revenues in the form of taxes for the local community.…”

Research Hotspots and Future Trends in Canal-Related Industrial Buildings

“…Furthermore, Comino (2020) explored the significance of renewable energy and industrial heritage conservation transforming into sustainable urban water management, exemplifying ecologically sustainable design for small hydropower plants along Turin's "Regio Parco" canal to facilitate effective management and utilization of urban water resources [71]. Taraszkiewicz and Nyka (2017) noted that large urban spaces are often situated in brownfield and post-industrial spaces closely related to canals, rivers, and other waterways, providing ideal conditions for additional recreational functions like designing parks and other green spaces [81].…”

Feasibility Analysis Regarding the Manner of Development of the Former Edmund Szyc Stadium Area in Poznań

“…New facilities are often located in former brownfields or heavily degraded urban areas. Such investments are undoubtedly a major stimulus towards a socio-economic recovery, an improvement in spatial order, and also have a positive impact on improving the image of a given city and the local identity of its residents (Taraszkiewicz 2018, Taraszkiewicz & Nyka 2017, Tomanek 2015, Wojtowicz-Jankowska 2010. The higher rank of an organised event, the more the revitalization activities contribute to better spatial order (Kostrzewska 2016).…”