New airport in Central Poland a step closer to reality

NACO is part of a consortium, together with Foster + Partners and Buro Happold, that will be the master architect of the Centralny Port Komunikacyjny (CPK) – a new greenfield airport terminal and train station in Central Poland.

The hub aims to be operational by 2028, serving 40 million passengers in the first phase and acting as a gateway to the country.

Royal HaskoningDHV subsidiary, NACO, has been chosen to provide a range of aviation and design sub-consultancy services towards the development of the CPK, in consortium with its project partners.

These will include terminal and rail station planning, baggage handling, IT, security and special airport systems, design of wayfinding and the landside-airside coordination.

The creation of the CPK airport between Warsaw and Łódź is part of Poland’s new transport development programme, Centralny Port Komunikacyjny.

The large infrastructure project also includes a network of new railway lines totalling 2,000km in length. Once completed, it will be possible to reach Poland’s largest cities from Warsaw in no more than two and a half hours.

Combining the greenfield international airport with a Public Transport Interchange (railway and bus station) and road connectivity, the CPK will be the main gateway to Poland.

Marcin Horola, the Polish government minister associated with the project, said: “We have marked one of the most important milestones – the inauguration of the co-operation with the master architect, who will have the most spectacular influence on the shape of the new airport.

“I am confident that it will not only look great, but will provide the best passenger experience, putting them at the heart of the design.”

The concept design of key CPK buildings is expected to be ready as early as the middle of 2023, and all other design services will be provided within two and a half years from the contract conclusion date.

The envisaged integrated design will be based on sustainable design principles; the four pillars of biophilia and wellbeing; visual and seamless connectivity; structural and operational efficiency, and smart and flexible technologies.

NACO director, Esther Kromhout, said: “This is an incredible project to be a part of! We’re excited to play our part in spearheading connectivity with seamless door-to-door journeys.

“Together with our partners and CPK, we will put passengers at the heart of this gateway to Poland.”

While Grant Brooker, head of studio, for Foster + Partners, said: “We are proud and excited to be chosen by CPK as the designers of this project. In collaboration, we will work together to create a model for the future of totally integrated transportation design.

“We believe that this project will completely revolutionise travel across the country and beyond. The vision of woven architectural form is deliberately and strongly expressed.

“It could shape the building and guide the passengers through its spaces, while also serving as a powerful symbolic reference to Poland’s rich cultural heritage and the united strength of its people.”