In an era of rapid urban transformation, infrastructure projects like LHM reflect a new, more collaborative approach to spatial planning. Based on partnerships with local authorities and regional stakeholders, the hubs are designed to act not just as transfer points, but as vibrant local centres aligned with modern urban development.

Accessibility Through Integration

Each LHM starts with a functional analysis of the station’s surroundings—evaluating accessibility, development potential, existing services, and community needs. The aim is to ensure that railway stations become well-connected, user-friendly parts of the city, improving both mobility and quality of life.

Local governments are key partners in this process. From initial agreements and joint workshops to final spatial planning concepts, municipalities are actively involved in shaping these hubs. This inclusive approach ensures projects reflect local realities and provide meaningful spatial links for residents and various urban stakeholders.

CPK Projects in Sieradz and Kalisz

CPK is currently developing LHMs in Sieradz and Kalisz, where design teams are revitalising railway areas and carefully integrating historic structures into new urban layouts. Each location presents its own challenges—from road network changes and conservation requirements to the need for better pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. But in all cases, the integrated approach leads to transport hubs that are not only efficient and safe, but also enrich the urban fabric.

Workshops, such as “charrette” sessions, bring together planners, local governments, public transport operators, conservation bodies, and urban designers to shape the functional and architectural vision of each hub. This collaborative process results in practical solutions—from new road layouts to expanded cycling and walking routes.

Benefits and broader impact

CPK also supports municipalities with land ownership and planning issues, often a complex task around railway stations. By acting as a coordinator, CPK helps streamline these processes, ensuring the hubs can be realised effectively. Design efforts also focus on overcoming existing infrastructure limitations, enhancing connections between the rail system and the wider city.

Through these actions, Local Mobility Hubs:

• Encourage shared responsibility in urban planning, particularly in transport access;
• Revitalise railway-adjacent areas, unlocking space for public use, housing, and services;
• Offer a passenger-first approach, ensuring intuitive, accessible design;
• Improve transport integration, enabling seamless transfers and a coherent regional mobility system;
• Support economic development, opening up new investment opportunities around future station sites.

In short, LHMs are more than transit points—they are catalysts for urban regeneration. With a collaborative, sustainable approach and the support of multiple institutions, these projects are shaping functional, inclusive hubs that respond to the needs of evolving cities and regions. CPK’s model could set a new standard for integrated transport planning across Poland.

This approach was recently presented by Magda Niewęgłowska, Transport Analysis Team Leader at CPK, during a workshop hosted by the Centre for EU Transport Projects: “EU Funds for Passenger Infrastructure – Platforms and Stations in Projects Supported by European Funds.”