Freedom Square in Kutno, known throughout Poland as “Kutno Market Square,” is the most famous example of controversial urban revitalization, a “concrete overgrowth” built with tens of millions in EU funding in the interests of car drivers. Its reconstruction, carried out between 2011 and 2021 according to a competition design by Robert Charkiewicz, was met with nationwide criticism, primarily from urban activists, environmentalists, and some architects and urban planners. Excessive concrete, a lack of greenery, the preservation of the parking lot function, a lack of connection to the historic neighborhood, and a disruption in the relationship between the building’s levels and the existing buildings’ lines – these are the most common criticisms the project has received.

On the other hand, councilors and city officials, as well as some residents, defend it. They recall the square’s previous disastrous condition and appearance (a dilapidated parking lot), support the parking lot’s location, and point out that over time, the newly planted greenery will grow and change the character of the area.

The Charkiewicza development itself is based on the idea of ​​superimposing and preserving the existing parking lot with a massive concrete slab, on which a square with two pavilions was created. This preserved a large parking lot in the city center (as requested by residents) and created a new space with the character of a town square (a café, fountain, deckchairs, and exhibition pavilion). Before its revitalization, Wolności Square was not the “Market Square in Kutno,” as the neighboring Marshal Józef Piłsudski Square is considered to be.