yesterday, today, tomorrow - Bielsko-Biala

yesterday, today, tomorrow

2 

2 0 0 6

Dear Sirs, 

Bielsko-Biała is one of the most resilient 

developing towns in the south of Poland. 

Nowadays it is not only an important economic, 

cultural and sports centre of the region, 

known colloquially as Podbeskidzie, but it is 

also a town with touristic aspirations. 

Based on Vienna’s model of architecture, 

historic buildings and modern city planning 

have created in the town, a unique atmosphere 

which will captivate every tourist. Add to this 

the fact that Bielsko-Biała is the only town in 

Poland where a few mountainous peaks adorn 

its administrative borders, it becomes clear 

why it is fast becoming a popular choice as 

a tourist destination. 

The attractive location of the town is a serious 

trump card in the eyes of the investors 

and together with the friendly atmosphere in 

Bielsko-Biała, has proved a significant factor 

in the way that economic development has 

been stimulated. 

There are financial institutions present, funds, 

providing unquestionable value, as well as 

organisations supporting enterprise, with the 

higher educational facilities of the town providing 

the necessary qualified staff for employers. 

It is for all these reasons that some of the 

worlds largest concerns have located there 

business operations here. 

The strong economic position that Bielsko- 

Biała now enjoys, is also attributed to the 

diligence and enterprise of the inhabitants of 

the town, particularly when one considers 

that around 30,000 small and medium sized 

firms operate in a town with a population of 

only 180,000 people. 

Its place on the cultural map of Poland is evidence 

of steady development in Bielsko-Biała. 

The challenge to the town in this field of life, 

is of the highest order. It is in Bielsko-Biała 

where the Festival of Polish Composers is held 

and is considered as one of the most important 

musical events, and also two big Jazz 

Festivals, which some of the biggest European 

cities would be proud to host. Finally, last, but 

by no means least, the International Festival of 

Puppet Art, one of the most awarded undertakings 

of this kind in the world. 

Bielsko-Biała is also an important sports centre. 

Our showcase sport is a team of women’s 

basketball players BKS Stal – multiply, currently 

the Polish champions. The sportsmen 

of Bielsko-Biala achieve success in many other 

disciplines including the sports of boxing, athletics, 

downhill skiing and also in gliding. 

The basic task of the self-government in 

Bielsko-Biala, is to maintain the dynamic 

drive behind the development of the town. 

Taking into consideration high position of 

Bielsko-Biała in all - Polish rankings it can be 

stated that the authorities of the town fullfil 

this task most diligently. What is more, the 

self-government of Bielsko-Biała has a long 

term vision of the continued development of 

the town. This takes the form of a Multiple 

Investment Plan and Strategy of Development 

of Bielsko-Biała till 2020. 

Prezydent Bielska-Białej 

Jacek Krywult 

3

Rankings 

Bielsko-Biała is a town with a huge potential. Its position in all-Polish rankings 

reflects it. No matter what criteria is taken under consideration Bielsko-Biała always 

has high positions in these clasifications. 

4 


Rankings 

Where to live the best – a ranking 

published in Polityka in June 2004. 

Item clasification was created on the basis 

of criteria, among which there are: the 

rate of unemployment, average remuneration 

gross, revenues of municipal budgets, 

a number of economic entities, balance of 

migration, average area of flats, population 

density, access to culture and health 

service. 

Where to work – a ranking published in 

‘Polityka’ in June 2004. 

Rate of unemployment presented in a classification 

includes a state at the end of April 

2004. 

Use of foreign funds – a ranking published 

in a paper of self-territorial 

government ‘Wspólnota’ published in 

September 2004. Expenditure from foreign 

funds have been given in Polish złoty per 

inhabitant. 

1. Sopot 1174 

2. Warszawa 1158 

3. Opole 1152 

4. Poznań 1109 

5. Olsztyn 1097 

6. Krosno 1086 

7. Rzeszów 1047 

8. Bielsko-Biała 1043 

9. Wrocław 1028 

10. Kraków 1018 

1. Warszawa 6,4 

2. Poznań 7,4 

3. Katowice 8,2 

4. Kraków 8,7 

5. Krosno 9,0 

6. Sopot 9,3 

7. Gdynia 10,5 

8. Bielsko-Biała 11,0* 

9. Opole 11,1 

10. Olsztyn 11,8 

*a rate of unemployment at the end of April 2006 amounted to 8,9 % 

1. Bielsko-Biała 216,29 

2. Elbląg 161,05 

3. Jelenia Góra 60,85 

4. Ruda Śląska 36,94 

5. Rybnik 26,53 

6. Łomża 22,84 

7. Suwałki 18,08 

8. Nowy Sącz 10,40 

9. Gdynia 6,92 

10. Piotrków Trybunalski 6,02 

5

Rankings 

In the below classification published in 

Wspólnota in September 2004, expenditure 

from foreign funds have been given as 

a percentage of investment expenditure. 

In the next ranking, assessing the use 

of foreign funds published again in 

a bi-weekly of self –territorial government 

’Wspólnota’ in December 2005 Bielsko- 

Biała was again in the lead. 

The below specification presents funds 

of foreign origin in Polish zloty per 

inhabitant. 

Below the use of foreign funds presented 

as percentage of expenditure of wealth. 

The ranking was published in December 

2005 by ’Wspólnota’. 


2. Elbląg 43,88 



5. Łomża 11,98 

6. Rybnik 6,73 

7. Nowy Sącz 5,67 



10. Tarnów 4,15 

1. Suwałki 423,71 


3. Rybnik 291,30 

4. Krosno 195,57 

5. Łomża 159,96 


7. Biała Podlaska 83,70 


9. Tychy 69,72 




3. Rybnik 52,05 

4. Bytom 42,07 

5. Łomża 40,96 

6. Tychy 34,02 

7. Krosno 33,63 

8. Biała Podlaska 31,88 

9. Piekary Śląskie 29,94 


6

Rankings 

Expenditure on schools – a ranking published 

in a self-territorial government‘s 

paper ‘Wspólnota’ in February 2005 (contains 

data of the year 2003 ) 

Expenditure concerns primary and middle 

schools. They have been given in Polish 

zloty per pupil. 

The richest self-governments – a ranking 

published by a paper of self-territorial 

government ‘Wspólnota’ in August 2005. 

The total budget incomes have been given 

in Polish zloty per inhabitant. 

The Gold One Hundred of Self- 

Governments – a ranking published 

in July 2005 by a Centre of Regional 

Research. 

Classification takes into account among the 

others an amount of investments made by 

communes in the last three years per one 

inhabitant and a financial discipline of self- 

-governments. 

1. Warszawa 4702 

2. Opole 4333 

3. Dąbrowa Górnicza 4301 

4. Sopot 4234 

5. Gdańsk 4223 


7. Toruń 4065 

8. Olsztyn 3912 

9. Jaworzno 3878 

10. Szczecin 3810 

11. Sosnowiec 3806 

12. Gdynia 3804 

13. Krosno 3773 


15. Rzeszów 3724 


17. Mysłowice 3699 

18. Świnoujście 3698 

19. Leszno 3673 

20. Chorzów 3672 

1. Sopot 4702 

2. Płock 4333 

3. Świnoujście 4301 

4. Krosno 4234 

5. Dąbrowa Górnicza 4223 

6. Gliwice 4109 

7. Konin 4065 

8. Ruda Śląska 3912 

9. Przemyśl 3878 

10. Nowy Sącz 3810 

11. Grudziądz 3806 

12. Suwałki 3804 

13. Rybnik 3773 

14. Słupsk 3727 


16. Ostrołęka 3702 

17. Leszno 3699 

18. Zamość 3698 

19. Jelenia Góra 3673 

20. Włocławek 3672 

1. Płock 2651 


3. Katowice 2120 

4. Rybnik 1994 

5. Grudziądz 1894 

6. Sopot 1843 



9. Konin 1779 

10. Kraków 1774 

7

Rankings 

Rankings of investment expenditure 

published by bi-weekly of self-territorial 

government ‘Wspólnota’ in October 

2005. 

Expenditure of self-governments have been 

given per inhabitant. 

The position of Bielsko-Biała in the following 

editions of Rankings of investment 

expenditure. 

Operational surplus of self- governments 

– a ranking published by 

a paper of self-territorial government‘s 

paper ‘Wspólnota’ in November 2005. 

The conception of „operational surplus” 

is more often used in financial analysis of 

Polish self-governments. It is one of the most 

important indicator of financial situation. 

It informs if a given entity is using in a normal 

course of their needs more or less funds 

than it earns. Operational surplus has been 

given in Polish zloty per inhabitant. 

1. Płock 988,4 

2. Krosno 671,9 

3. Sopot 502,7 


5. Leszno 389,3 

6. Tychy 385,1 

7. Zabrze 350,4 

8. Tarnów 344,8 

9. Konin 331,0 

10. Gliwice 326,8 

1 

5 

10 

15 

20 

25 

4 

16 

23 

2001 2002 2003 2004 

1. Płock 763,81 

2. Konin 386,54 

3. Dąbrowa Górnicza 378,30 



6. Jastrzębie Zdrój 328,05 

7. Gliwice 326,59 

8. Kalisz 295,45 

9. Rybnik 286,84 

10. Tychy 276,12 

8

Investments 

The authorities of Bielsko-Biała have been running pro-investment policy for a few years. In 2005 

Long-term Investment Plan was created for the first time in the history of the town, which has been 

recording the most important needs of the Commune in a systematic way. There has been an increase 

in investment expenditure from year to year. It already exceeds 21 %. 

yesterday, today, tomorrow 

9

Investments 

20% 

15% 

18,21% 

20,10% 

21,10% 

10% 

10,73% 

10,07% 

13,97% 

5% 

0% 

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

Investment expenditure in the budget of the town 

2006 

20% 

Pro-investment policy has a direct reflection on the level of the rate of unemployment. At this moment 

it amounts to 8,9 % and it is one of the lowest in the country. 

15% 

17,4% 

15,5% 

18,1% 

16,5% 

18,0% 

16,4% 

19,1% 

16,8% 

17,6% 

15,4% 

17,2% 

15,2% 

10% 

5% 

11% 

10,8% 

10,6% 

10,1% 

9,3% 

8,9% 

0% 

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

kwiecień 2006 

A rate of unemployment in Poland A rate of unemployment in Silesian Voivodship A rate of unemployment in Bielsko-Biała 

10

Investments 

In the near future the rate of unemployment in Bielsko- 

Biała should decrease. Everything is a result of investments 

coming into the town, thanks to which a lot of new 

places of work will be created in the town. 

A French concern Hutchinson is a leading investor in an emerged 

Wapiennica Park of Industry and Service. There will have been 28 

small and middle enterprises by the end of 2006, in which nearly 400 

people will find employment. 

New investments are created also thanks to local entrepreneurs. Every 

year the best companies in our town are awarded the statue of Kobuz 

by the President. 

In spring of 2005 a cornerstone was built into the building of the Factory of Eaton 

Automotive Systems in Special Economic Zone in Wapienica. A company producing 

automotive parts will create 400 places of work. 


11

Investments 

The greatest group of investments among town investments are road ones. A lot of them 

have been already realized. 

Rebuilding of Armia Krajowa Street and Olszówka 

has made easier for the drivers moving around southern 

districts of the town. Thanks to these investments 

it is easier to get to touristic and recreational 

regions of Bielsko-Biała. 

12 

The Commune has earmarked around 24 mln zł for repairs of local roads within two years. In a picture – opening 

of Skośna Street after modernisation in a housing cooperative Słoneczne. 

A western beltway was one of the most urgent transport 

needs of the town, and at the same time the biggest 

road investment in the history of Bielsko-Biała.

Investments 

The town have been realizing a programme of revitalisation of Bielsko Old Town. A western frontage of Old Market has been redecorated, and 

at this moment works in the rebuilding of the flagstone are under way. Their completion is planned for October of this year. 

At the end of 2003 it was started the rebuilding of tenement 

house at 4-5 Rynek destroyed in a construction 

disaster. Today the western frontage of Rynek is a real 

architecture pearl. In September of 2005 the rebuilt 

building was awarded in all-Polish competition of 

Modenisation of the Year. 

The rebuilding of underground infrastructure and the 

surface of the flagstone of Rynek. In October 2006 

Rynek will look like visualisation presented here. 


13

Investments 

lot of financial resources amounting 

A to a few dozen złoty a self-government 

has earmarked for a complex modernisation 

of General Hospital. This investment is still 

under way. 

Specification of the most important investments in the last three years 

Putting to use a new seat of District Labour Office in Partyzantów Street 

Building and launching of the Park of Industry and Service 

Commencement of activities of Economic Zone in Wapienica 

Revitalisation of Bielsko Old Town 

Modernisation of General Hospital 

Building of Western beltway 

Modernisation of Aleje Armii Krajowej 

Modernisation of Olszówka Street 

Launching of complex programme of repairs of local roads 

Putting to use 4,5 km of new bicycle paths 

Putting to use a new seat of Podbeskidzie Centre of Crisis Intervention in Piękna Street 

A modern operating theatre has been working in 

an extended General Hospital for two years. 

An important investment from the point 

of social view was the movement of new 

seat of District Labour Office. 

Building of new seat of state Fire Brigade in Leszczyńska Street 

Modernisation of the Small stage in Polish Theatre 

Putting to use a covered swimming pool in Karpackie Housing Cooperative 

Putting to use a covered swimming pool in Złote Łany Housing Cooperative 

Modernisation of the swimming pools „Panorama” in Konopnicka Street 

Refurbishment of the stadium in Młyńska Street 

Putting to use multipurpose pitch in Bratków Street 

Prchase of the stadium in Żywiecka Street 

14 

In the building of the previous town bathhouse, the 

clients of District Labour Office are serviced in a more 

comfortable conditions than in the previous seat. 

Purchase of 10 new buses for the Municipal Transport Company

European resources 

The funds gained from European Funds were the factor which have influenced in a significant way the 

pace of development of the town in the last years. Bielsko-Biała can boast about a lot of achievements 

in this issue. Only in 2005 the town as well as institutions and companies associated with it managed 

to get above 100 million złotych of European resources. This result place a capital of the Podbeskidzie 

among the leaders of self-governments as far as the use of European funds is concerned. 


15


For the modernisation of the Voivodship road no 942 

(it covers the following streets: 3-May, Zamkowa, 

Partyzantów and Bystrzańska), for the streets Olszówka 

and Aleje Armii Krajowej the town have received subsidy 

at the amount of 23 777 765 zl. 

For a very needed rebuilding of the bottleneck 

of Wyzwolenia Street, the resources at the amount 

of 47 173 330 have been granted to Bielsko-Biała. 

16


The Town has been granted a subsidy at the amount of 7 246 777 zł for a continuing rebuilding of the flagstone of Rynek. 

The building of the sewage 

system in the districts of 

Lipnik and Hałcnów by the 

municipal company 

AQUA S.A. has been granted 

a subsidy at the amount 

of 23 376 902 zł. 

The Town has received a subsidy at the amount 

of 2 038 150 for the scholarship assistance for the students 

and pupils of high middle schools. 


17


A company ZIAD which the Commune of Bielsko-Biała 

is the owner of, has received 2 500 000 zł 

of European subsidy. 

European Union has supported the building of 

Technological Incubator at the area of The Park of 

Industry and Service at the amount of 10 018 260 zł. 

Bielskie Centre of Enterprise has leveraged from EU 

funds an amount of 7 700 000 zł. 

18 

Bielski Fund of Guarantee of Credits has received 

a subsidy at the amount of 5 000 000 zł.

Security 


19

Security 

Bielsko-Biała is a safe town. It is a result 

of perfect cooperation of self –government 

with the penal prosecution agencies, 

thanks to which the results of the crime 

are minimalised successfully. Financial 

resources granted to police by The City 

Council have enabled to create a few dozen 

of additional patrols, which guard the order 

of the streets in Bielsko-Biała. Police patrols 

and town guardmen patrols together bring 

about good results, too. The system of monitoring 

turns out to work perfectly. 

The best policemen are 

appreciated not only by their 

supervisors but also by the 

authorities of the Town. 

At the beginning of this year 

the President handed to the 

outstanding law enforcement 

officers material rewards. 

Within the last years The City Police Department have become richer by a few dozen of cars, purchased from the 

resources of Main Police headquaters and Bielsko self-government. 

Comparisons of a number of crimes in the first half-year of 2005 to the anological term of 2004 

20 

Many perpetrators of crimes have been detected thanks 

to the municipal monitoring system; simultaneously the 

joint patrols of policemen and municipal guardians care 

more effectively for the safety. 

Robberies - a fall of 29% 

Thefts - a fall of 20% 

Fights and beatings - a fall of 47% 

Thefts of cars - a fall of 47% 

Thefts with burglaries - a fall of 38%

Security 

In the City system of security Fire Brigade 

plays an important role. The greatest 

worry of firefighters of Bielsko-Biała is 

a base. The problem is the age of existing 

in our town fire buildings and also localisation. 

Their location in the city centre 

near the major arteries of transport and 

big parking lots often makes it difficult 

to make quick and efficient rescue efforts. 

That is why, the authorities of Bielsko-Biała 

have given to the Fire Brigade the area in 

Leszczyńska Street, where a new seat of the 

Fire Brigade Headquaters is being built. 

The cornerstone for the building of the new seat of The state Fire Brigade was built into in 2004. The works are 

progressing in a quick pace. It will be the most modern building of this kind in Poland. 


21

Education 

A huge importance is attached to education in Bielsko-Biała. A self – government is trying to provide optimal 

conditions of learning for the pupils and teachers for the working. That’s why it is being invested in the education 

base. Only in the last three years it was spent above 12 million złoty on redecorations in educational 

institutions. The Commune is doing a lot in helping the teachers raise their professional qualifications. Every 

year there are more and more teachers with the highest degrees of professional promotion. 

22 


Education 

High qualifications of teaching staff 

are reflected in the results achieved 

by pupils. Bielsko pupils of the last classes 

of primary and middle schools achieve 

high results in annual exams. Secondary 

schools, which are classified on high posts 

in all – Polish rankings, can also boast 

about a lot of achievements. 

Education is also a serious financial problem 

for a self – government. As a result of 

faulty legislative system, subsidy for education 

which is transferred to the town treasury 

from a central budget is not enough for 

the payments of teachers’ salaries. That is 

why, the Commune has been paying extra 

for education amounts of dozens of millions 

of złoty. 

The other problem is high costs of maintaining 

of educational institutions in Bielsko- 

Biała. They are increasing from year into 

year, although a number of pupils in the 

schools of the town is falling systematically. 

Every year outstanding teachers receive rewards on the Day of Education from Minister of Education, Voivodship 

Superintendent of Schools and also from the Mayor of Bielsko-Biała. 

At this moment, Bielsko-Biała in the only 

town of Silesian cities, which is paying the 

most extra for the education from its own 

resources. Thanks to it, among the others, 

kindergartens work in 10-hour systems in 

our town and children can take advantage 

of unique Centre of Remedial Corrective 

and Compensatory exercises. 

23

Education 

Expenditure on education: 

162 836 915 zł 

165 461 795 zł 

174 811 539 zł 

177 127 828 zł 

183 810 226 zł 

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

Extra payments from the municipal budget 

to supplement education subsidies: 

54 480 270 zł 

63 283 255 zł 

63 253 131 zł 

61 493 290 zł 

63 696 122 zł 

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

A number of qualified teachers: 

28 

102 

296 

493 

632 

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

Expenditure on redecorations in educational 

institutions: 

2 583 709 zł 

2 229 990 zł 

3 361 448 zł 

4 081 788 zł 

4 623 944 zł 

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

A number of pupils in Bielsko-Biała educational 

institutions: 

38 679 

35 896 

34 621 

32 762 

A number of school units in Bielsko-Biała 

educational institutions: 

1 542 

1 430 

1 390 

1 301 

30 792 

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

1 249 

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 

Rewards and medals for teachers of Bielsko-Biała: 

Rewards of the Mayor 

2003 87 

2004 94 

2005 109 

Rewards of the Superintendent of Education 

2003 0 

2004 7 

2005 6 

Rewards of Minister of Education 

2003 0 

2004 6 

2005 8 

Medals of Commission of National Education 

2003 4 

2004 6 

2005 23 

The Crosses of Merit 

2003 0 

2004 26 

2005 34 

24

The results of test of six class–pupils 

29,5 

29,2 

30,3 

28,6 

30,5 

28,6 

25,6 

27,2 

25,6 

29,5 

31,1 

29,3 

Results of middle schools exam-Maths part 

28,2 

27,0 

28,3 

25,8 

25,3 

27,2 

24,5 

24,0 

26,7 

24,3 

24,0 

26,2 

Ranking of the best secondary 

Schools in Silesian voivodship 

Published by „Rzeczpospolita” 

in January of 2006 

1. 

IX LO im. Cypriana Kamila Norwida 

w Częstochowie 

2. V LO w Bielsku-Białej 

2002 2003 2004 2005 

Poland Silesia Bielsko-Biała 

2002 2003 2004 2005 


3. 

I Społeczne LO im. Stanisława 

Konarskiego w Katowicach 

Results of middle school exam-humanistic part 

33,5 

31,0 

30,2 

33,4 

32,8 

31,8 

27,1 

28,1 

29,4 

33,2 

33,6 

35,8 

Results of middle schools exam- 

Four schools of Bielsko-Biała region 

have been amoung 400 schools in all- 

-Polish „Ranking of secondary schools 

2006” published by “Rzeczpospolita” 

4. 

5. 

6. 

LO Towarzystwa Szkolnego 

im. Mikołaja Reja w Bielsku-Białej 

IV LO im. Stanisława Staszica 

w Sosnowcu 

I LO im. Juliusza Słowackiego 

w Chorzowie 

2002 2003 2004 2005 


15. V LO 

33. 

LO Towarzystwa Szkolnego 

im. Mikołaja Reja 

67. III LO im. Stefana Żeromskiego 

7. 

8. 

9. 

I LO im. Mikołaja Kopernika 

w Katowicach 

II LO im. Andrzeja Frycza 

Modrzewskiego w Rybniku 

III LO im. Stefana Żeromskiego 

w Bielsku-Białej 

319. I LO im. Mikołaja Kopernika 

10. 

I LO im. Powstańców Śląskich 

w Rybniku 


25

Social assistance 

An important element of local authorities activity is social 

assistance. The City Council earmarks a lof of resources in 

order to help all who can not manage on their own. That’s why 

such initiatives like works which are socially useful or introducing 

social tickets for the unemployed are implemented. 

26 



Every day 200 people make use of a canteen 

in Milusińskich Street 

Above 162 thousand loaves of bread were given to those 

in need last year in a founded Bank of Bread as result of 

Bielsko bakers’ initiative. 

Kitchen and canteen ran by Society of Assistance named St. Brother Albert with the help of 

self-government feed from year into a year more and more of those in need. The Society gives 

approximately 850 meals every day. 

27


Podbeskidzki Centre of Crisis Intervention providing assistance for 

people in difficult situation, got a new seat in the autumn of 2005. 

For works socially useful the Town earmarks above 1 mln zloty every year. 

A number of places destined for social needs 

191 

247 

305 

385 

420* 

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 

New and regained flats as a result of redecoration in 

a given year 

113 

159 

166 

239 

245* 

28 

A few dozens of people have got a job thanks to replacement of zones of paid 

parkings by the city parkings. 

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 

*plan for the year 2006

Culture 

Cultural offer of Bielsko-Biała is of the highest standard. The leading event 

of the town is Festival of Polish Composers which has had 10 edtions so far. 

Prof. Henryk Michał Górecki has been supporting it since the beginning. 


29

Culture 

There are other appreciated musical 

events held in the town – International 

Festival of Jan Sebastian Bach Music and 

International Festival of Sacral Music in 

Podbeskidzie ’Sacrum in Musica’. 

Fans of jazz cannot complain about lack of 

offers. Two great festvals of jazz are held 

every year in Bielsko-Biała, during which 

the greatest stars of Polish and world jazz 

perform. 

Bielsko-Biala has also got an interesting 

offer for fans of fine arts and art of theatre. 

Gallery of BWA shows the most interesting 

directions of modern painting and 

has gained the reputation one of the most 

interesting galleries in Poland. 

No one has to be convinced about an exceptional 

position of Bielsko-Biała Puppet 

Theatre among Polish theatres, which is an 

organiser of International Festival of Puppet 

Art held every two years. This festival is one 

of the greatest and the most respected events 

of this kind in Europe. 

During X Festival of Polish Composers historical meeting of two outstanding musicians – prof. Krzysztof 

Penderecki and prof. Henryk Górecki took place. 

A strong position has Polish Theatre in 

Silesian Voivodship. The best proof of it, are 

rewards gained by the actors and directors 

working in Bielsko-Biała – Golden Masks 

the most impotant theatrical rewards in our 

region. 

Quartet Kronos in Bielsko-Biała performed the latest 

play of H.M.Górecki for the first time - ‘III String 

Quartet’ 

Henryk Mikołaj Górecki is receiving congratulations 

from the Mayor of Bielsko-Biała Jacek Krywult and from 

Krzysztof Penderecki after the first night 

of ‘III String Quartet’ 

30

Culture 

In 2005 the first edition of PhotoArtFestival was held. 

The stars of world photography took part in this precursory 

undertaking. 

Bielsko-Biała is jazz. Jan Ptaszyn Wróblewski supports Bielska Zadymka of 

Jazz and Tomasz Stanko is an artistic director of Jazz Antumn. 

Biennale Bielska Autumn gained a rank of the most 

important painting events in Poland. 


31

Culture 

An interesting programme of the Days of Bielsko-Biała which are held at the beginning of June every year 

attracts crowds of audience. 

Polish Theatre has been gaining Golden Masks for a few years regularly – the 

most important rewards of theatre in Silesian Voivodship. In the picture – one 

of the rewarded performance of ‘Tamara’ by John Krizanc, directed by Tomasz 

Dutkiewicz. 

International Festival of the Puppet Art organised by Bielsko Theatre of Puppets 

– ‘Banialuka’ is one of the most important undertakings of this kind in the world 

32

Sport 

Bielsko-Biała is an important centre of sport. Volleyball is the most popular 

discipline in the capital of Podbeskidzie. Women’s volleyball team 

BKS Stal is a multiple champion of the country and winner of the Cup of 

Poland, BBTS men’s volleyball team Siatkarz– Original manages well in 

parquets seria B I league of men. 


33

Sport 

Two football teams – Podbeskidzie and 

BKS have faithful fans. 

Bielsko sportsmen achieve successes in many 

disciplines. Judokas, competitors of ju – jits, 

skiers, bobsledders, snowboarders or gliders 

can be proud of their great achievements. 

Bielsko self – government earmarks above 

3% of its budget on sport. The Commune 

supports both amatour and professional 

sport. Mayor of the Town has been granting 

sport grants to the most skilful young 

competitors and rewards to the sportsmen 

achieving successes in national and foreign 

arenas. 

Bielsko-Biała has been investing systematically 

in sports base in the area of the Town. 

Benefis of Marian Kasprzyk of his 65th birthday and Zbigniew Pietrzykowski of 

his 70th birthday was one of the most important sports events in the last decade in 

Bielsko-Biała. 

The Mayor of Bielsko-Biała has been granting 

scholarships and rewards to the most outstanding 

sportsmen for the past 3 years. 

In March of this year in Opatówek, near Kalisz volleyball players of BKS Stal got 

a Cup of Poland. 

34

Sport 

Mityng Beskidian Athletic is competition which belongs to the most important athletic events in Poland. 

Swimming pool Troclik is the first covered pool in the town. 

In April of 2006 after many years of efforts, The Commune became the owner of the stadium 

in Żywiecka Street. In the near future it will commence its the complete rebuilding. 

4,5 km of new bicycle paths have been opened lately. 


35

Sport 

In April 2006 in Bratki Street multi-purpose pitch for team games with 

artificial surface was opened. 

Swimming pools ‘Panorama’ have been modernized completely in the last few years. 

Stadium in Młyńska Street is slowly gaining its previous splendor. 

In Złote Łany quarter the building of the second pool came to an end in June this year. 

Its investor is a municipal company AQUA 

36

The most important task for the authorities of Bielsko-Biała is at this 

moment to maintain the so far dynamism of the development of the town. 

The investments planned for this year are going to secure this, which have 

been placed in the budget of the Commune as well as the tasks for the future 

recorded in the Long-term Investment Plan. 

Plans for the future 


37


Already commenced investments or expected for the realisation 

in the year 2006 

The Building of the the shelter for the animals 

The Commencement of modernisation of Wyzwolenia Street 

The commencement of the modernisation of 3 May Street and Bystrzańska Street 

The commencement of the building of sanitary sewage system in the 

districts of Lipnik and Hałcnów 

The building of the columbarium in a municipal cemetery and redecoration 

of funeral house 

The building of the ski lift in Sahara ski run 

The building of the parking lot in the Old Town and in the area of Luter Square 

The extension of monitoring system 

The redecoration of the Puppet Theatre Banialuka building 

The redecorations of the building of BWA 

38 

After many years of efforts The Town have managed to sell the area situated in the 

very city centre, the premises which belonged to previous textile plants Finex. The 

Centre of Business and Trade will have been built by the end of 2008. 

The rebuilding of 11 Listopada Street and Wojsko Polskie Square


Plans for the next years: 

The building of the covered swimming pool 

The modernisation of the swimming pool in Startowa street 

The building of the storage yard of waste 

The construction of exhibition hall 

In this year the street of 11 Listopada is going to become representative city promenada 

The building of the concert hall 

The construction of the new ski lifts in ski runs of Dębowiec 

and Szyndzielnia 

The complex rebuilding of the stadium in Żywiecka Street 

The building of the new school in Wapiennica 

The building of the multilevel parking lot in Kopernika Street 

The building of the next covered swmming pools 

The square of Wojsko Polskie is going to look like this. 

The building of the underground parking lot under Wojsko 

Polskie Square 

39

40 

Publisher: Agencja Reklamowa PROMIX, graphic design; J. Grabowski, photos: J. Grabowski, W. Gorgolewski, M. Kostera, archiwum Urzędu Miejskiego w Bielsku-Białej. Translation: Beata Góralczyk. Printing: DIMOGRAF

yesterday, today, tomorrow - Bielsko-Biala

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