Category: I’m a resident

SK hynix Chooses Olivia Centre. Global Leader in Semiconductor Memory Technology Expands Operations in Gdańsk

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

SK hynix, one of the world’s largest semiconductor memory manufacturers, joins the ranks of Olivia Centre residents. SK hynix memory solutions Poland, a company belonging to the South Korean conglomerate, has leased nearly 2,800 sq m of space in the Gdańsk complex. The new headquarters will feature modern offices, a specialized testing laboratory, and server facilities. This investment is linked to the further development of the company’s operations in Poland.

 

SK hynix is one of the global leaders in the semiconductor industry, specializing in the production of DRAM and NAND Flash memory, used in computers, mobile devices, and data centers, among others. The technologies developed by the conglomerate also play a significant role in the artificial intelligence sector, whose dynamic growth increases the demand for efficient data processing and storage systems.

 

SK hynix memory solutions Poland already conducts research and development activities in Gdańsk. The team of specialists is involved in, among other things, embedded software development and verification of memory controllers used in SSDs and mobile devices. Moving operations to Olivia Centre is another stage in the company’s development, gaining a new location that combines daily team work with advanced technological facilities. Key factors in choosing the headquarters included transport accessibility, developed business infrastructure, and the ability to attract qualified employees.

 

– Entering Olivia Centre is an important step for us in developing our operations in Poland and the entire region. We are creating a modern center for employees in Gdańsk that will support the development of advanced memory technologies and solutions for the AI ecosystem – says Katarzyna Przybysz, Managing Director at SK hynix memory solutions Poland.

 

Modern Offices and a Specialized Laboratory

 

SK hynix’s new headquarters will combine office functions with advanced engineering and technological facilities. One of its most important elements will be a specialized laboratory designed for testing DRAM and NAND Flash memory products. Alongside the laboratory spaces, a server room, office workstations, and rest and sports activity zones for employees have also been planned.

 

Preparing nearly 2,800 sq m of space required considering diverse technical and operational needs. The laboratory and server facilities have different requirements than traditional office spaces, which is why appropriate infrastructural solutions had to be included already at the design stage. Abundo Space is responsible for the interior design and adapting the space to the tenant’s specialized needs, executing the project in cooperation with the Gdańsk architectural studio Design Anatomy.

 

– For the first time, we had the opportunity to design a space for a technology company where the laboratory and server room played an equally important role as the office work zones. This combination of functionality, modern technologies, and user comfort was an exceptionally interesting design process for us – says Monika Szawernowska, Chief Sales Officer at Abundo Space.

 

The layout of the new headquarters takes into account diverse functions and working methods. Individual zones will serve both daily team work and product testing or technological infrastructure support. Spaces conducive to employee rest and activity have also been provided.

 

Adaptation works include preparing the space for the installation of specialized research equipment and server hardware. After their completion, the Gdańsk SK hynix team will continue and develop its operations in the new location.

 

Olivia Centre Attracts Global Technology Companies

 

SK hynix joining the ranks of Olivia Centre residents is another example of the complex’s appeal to international technology enterprises. The company’s new headquarters also demonstrates how diverse functions modern office spaces can fulfill, combining traditional workplaces with advanced research and technological infrastructure.

 

Olivia Centre is one of the largest business complexes in Poland. Located on Grunwaldzka Avenue, one of the main communication arteries of the Tri-City, it comprises seven office buildings and extensive service and recreational infrastructure. The complex features restaurants, cafes, service points, and a fitness center, with conference spaces also available. One of the most recognizable facilities is Olivia Star, with a publicly accessible observation deck at a height of 130 meters.

 

Olivia Centre brings together companies representing various sectors of the economy, including international technology enterprises and organizations conducting research and development activities. It creates an environment conducive to cooperation, exchange of experience, and business development.

 

– We are pleased to welcome SK hynix memory solutions Poland to the Olivia Centre community – says Michał Klepczyński, Director of Lease Department Olivia Centre.

 

The presence of SK hynix will enrich Olivia’s business community with another representative of the global advanced technology sector. At the same time, the implemented project confirms the complex’s ability to adapt its spaces to individual, even highly specialized, tenant needs.

 

Knight Frank Advised in the Lease Process

 

In the process of selecting a new location, SK hynix memory solutions Poland was represented by the international advisory firm Knight Frank. Its activities included market analysis of commercial real estate, selection of the optimal location, negotiation of lease terms, and project management support.

 

A significant element of the process was finding space that would allow for the combination of traditional office functions with specialized engineering facilities, while also providing appropriate conditions for the further development of the company’s operations.

 

– We are delighted to have advised SK hynix. Thanks to the strong commitment of both the tenant and the landlord, the process ran smoothly, and our team’s many years of experience and knowledge of the Tri-City market allowed us to find solutions that best met the company’s needs – comments Joanna Gomułkiewicz, Associate Director at Knight Frank.

 

SK hynix’s choice of Olivia Centre is an important step in the company’s development in Gdańsk, and for the complex, another opportunity to support international technological business. The new headquarters will create a space adapted for specialists developing technologies used in global markets, including solutions supporting the development of artificial intelligence.

Welcome SK hynix memory solutions Poland to Olivia Centre!

Time to sum up summer at Olivia!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

The summer period is usually a time when business slows down, offices become more relaxed, deadlines lose some of their urgency, and the holiday season tends to stretch them out even further. This is the typical summer office reality in most workplaces — but it’s not a rule that applies everywhere. Gdańsk’s Olivia Centre sums up the summer and proves that this season, the largest business center in Poland was anything but short on initiatives.

 

Residents enjoy special privileges

Summer has inevitably come to an end, and the close of the season offers a good opportunity for a summary — especially since Olivia Centre has plenty to be proud of. The diversity, intensity, and sheer number of events is impressive. For years, Olivia has been running a range of projects designed to bring the community together. In doing so, it aims to create added value for its residents and their employees. These efforts are centered around numerous passion development clubs, covering areas as varied and unexpected as a sailing club and a choir, a photography club and a football league, historical walks through Gdańsk’s districts, and conversations between attorney Bogusław Wieczorek and experts in the “Rozmowy O!” talks.

 

This season was rich in events — not only on the Olivia premises, but also across many districts of Gdańsk and on the waters of the Gulf of Gdańsk. For the second year in a row, employees of Residents had the chance to train in beach volleyball on full-size courts right in the heart of Olivia. As many as 24 teams took part in the summer tournament. Daily training sessions were made easier thanks to an online court booking system, which employees greatly appreciate. One of the main challenges with seaside courts is precisely the need to wait for availability.

 

The Polish national volleyball team trained on these courts

One of the most exciting events of the season was the training camp of the National Deaf Beach Volleyball Team, both men’s and women’s squads, who trained at Olivia ahead of the season’s biggest event — the Deaf European Championships. It turned out that the Olivia courts brought them luck, as in July, Team Poland won two medals: gold, claimed by the men’s team, and bronze, won by the women’s team. This marked the first time in the history of Polish deaf beach volleyball that Poland’s representatives won two medals at a European Championship.

 

This season’s sporting events also included a day of Hyrox-style workouts led by Błażej Wesołowski, as well as Active Day, during which participants had access to numerous activities throughout the day. At 7 a.m., they set off to paddle on SUP boards, while another group practiced yoga on Olivia’s patio at 8 a.m., and the rest of the day was packed with attractions such as a Ninja-style workout, a body composition analysis on a professional scale under the supervision of CityFit trainers, an Air Bike workout, and group dance sessions with choreography lessons. That day also featured the season wrap-up of the Olivia Centre football league, with the day’s finale taking place on the waters of the bay during an evening sailing session at sunset with the organizers of Olivia Yacht Club.

 

In August, six-time Paralympic champion Natalia Partyka invited everyone to a morning warm-up: a table tennis table-running tournament, during which participants had the chance to compete against Poland’s multi-medalist and start their day with some activity. Olivia’s sporty summer was also full of attractions such as padel tournaments, participation in the Ultras Oliwski run, and the official presentation of Energa Trefl Gdańsk players ahead of the volleyball season, which also featured an exhibition match, a chill-out zone with music, and players signing autographs, posing for photos, and sharing their passion for the sport.

 

History and community involvement

For another year in a row, Olivia was a partner of the “Viva Oliva” district festival — an event full of concerts, outdoor antique fairs, open-air painting sessions, theater and music performances, as well as games and activities for all ages. This summer, Olivia Centre also invited everyone to explore Gdańsk’s districts with the Local Guides. During the walks, history enthusiasts and local residents shared literary inspirations and artistic themes connected to each location, often adding personal touches to their stories. Each walk offered a new way to discover the city. At times, the stories told by the guides even surprised the oldest residents of a given district. This year, the walks covered such Gdańsk districts as Siedlce, Dolne Miasto, Biskupia Górka, and Oliwa.

 

As in previous years, the season of outdoor events closed with a performance by 6 combined choirs, including the Olivia Centre Choir. This time, the centerpiece of the concert was a performance of Grzegorz Turnau’s “Między Ciszą, a ciszą.” Nearly 200 people gathered on Olivia’s patio, performing not only this year’s featured piece but also their own arrangements of popular songs, including Katarzyna Nosowska’s “Sobie i Wam.”

A benefit for everyone

Many initiatives come from the Residents themselves. This was the case with the Olivia Choir, which owes its beginnings to Remigiusz Wojciechowski, Director of Bayer’s Business Services Center. It was his passion for singing that inspired him to establish an in-house choir. The need to develop it further and attract more male voices led the initiative to evolve into a project that now includes over 40 people from more than a dozen companies.

 

Running passion development clubs is often quite a challenge, but experience shows that they serve many important functions — and their significance for the center itself, its employees, and the companies leasing offices at Olivia is hard to overstate. A few years ago, we recognized the enormous potential within a community of several thousand people who work at Olivia every day — says Dorota Buzek-Garzyńska, Director of Communications at Olivia Centre. We decided to make the most of it by creating a space not only for work, but also for pursuing interests, spending time actively, developing new skills, and building relationships. Today, we organize dozens of diverse sporting, cultural, and developmental initiatives that attract hundreds of participants and have become an important part of our community’s life. We saw their significance especially clearly during the return to offices after the pandemic. On the days when we organized events and activities, we noticed higher attendance at Olivia. That showed us that an office can be more than just a place to carry out daily tasks — it can be a space for meetings, inspiration, and shared experiences. Today, we can confidently say that this offering is one of the elements that shape Olivia’s unique character. It’s used by employees of our Residents, for whom the opportunity to take part in a rich program of events is an added value and a complement to their employee benefits. Importantly, our initiatives matter not only for integration and atmosphere, but also serve as a meaningful argument in the sales conversations of our commercialization team. They show that Olivia is not just modern office space, but above all, an active and engaged community.

 

 

Renaissance Man. Olivia Centre Partner of TEDx Gdańsk University of Technology 2026

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

What connects a scientist, artist, traveler, and entrepreneur? Curiosity about the world, openness to new ideas, and the conviction that sometimes it’s worth taking risks and pushing one’s own boundaries. This is precisely what the fifth edition of TEDx Gdańsk University of Technology, themed “Renaissance Man,” will be about, taking place on November 14. Olivia Centre is a partner of this inspiring event.

 

In a world of increasingly narrow specializations, is there still room for versatility? Can combining knowledge from various fields be the key to innovation? The organizers of this year’s TEDx encourage seeking answers to these very questions. They argue that the most interesting ideas often emerge at the intersection of science, technology, business, and art, and the ability to view reality from different perspectives is particularly valuable today.

 

TEDx: Ideas Worth Spreading

 

TED is an international non-profit organization whose history began in 1984 with a conference dedicated to Technology, Entertainment, and Design. Today, TED is a global platform for exchanging knowledge and inspiration, covering topics from science and business, through education and culture, to the most significant challenges of the contemporary world. Its mission is best encapsulated by the slogan “Ideas Worth Spreading.”

 

TEDx, in turn, refers to independently organized, local events held under license from TED. On their stages, scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, social activists, and passionate individuals gather to share experiences, discoveries, and unconventional perspectives on the reality around us. Every year, thousands of such events take place worldwide, inspiring conversations, broadening horizons, and transforming interesting ideas into concrete actions.

 

Who will we hear on stage in Gdańsk?

 

Among the announced speakers for TEDx Gdańsk University of Technology 2026 are representatives from various backgrounds whose experiences perfectly embody the idea of a contemporary Renaissance Man.

 

  • Mariusz Majewski, traveler, the first Pole to visit all 193 UN-recognized countries before the age of forty. He will speak about rebuilding life after extreme experiences.
  • Łukasz Muszyński, journalist, film critic, and editor-in-chief of Filmweb. He will explore how to navigate a world of unlimited access to films and series.
  • Karina Marciniec, clinical psychologist, academic lecturer, and social activist. She will encourage courage in choosing more than one life path.
  • Michał Będkowski, music producer, three-time Fryderyk award winner, graphic and motion designer. He will discuss the pitfalls of versatility.
  • Aleksandra Niewiadomska, HR expert, founder of the find and co-founder of NURT. She will address the topic of freedom and the role of principles in team functioning.
  • Karolina Szczepaniak, sports psychologist, coach, and world record holder in long-distance swimming. She will speak about pushing the limits of human endurance.
  • Joanna Czerska, Lean Management expert, consultant, lecturer, and president of the Lean Education Foundation. She will examine how to create an environment conducive to development and engagement.
  • Szymon Kranz, popularizer of Gdańsk history, creator of Gdańsk Stories, and author of the book “Gdańsk. An Unofficial Guide for Tourists and Residents.” He will share lesser-known stories related to the city.
  • Maks Małecki, IT expert and Tech Lead at Insly, specializing in solutions using artificial intelligence, among others. In his presentation, he will connect the topic of technology with the idea of a Renaissance Man.

 

More than just inspiring speeches

 

TEDx Gdańsk University of Technology is much more than a conference. The organizers are preparing a richer workshop program than ever before, an expanded artistic section featuring artists and performers, and a space for networking and exchanging experiences. It’s an opportunity to meet people with diverse interests, challenge one’s own beliefs with new ideas, and find inspiration for action.

 

Olivia Centre is pleased to support initiatives that connect communities, inspire development, and foster knowledge exchange. We are delighted to be a partner of this year’s TEDx Gdańsk University of Technology and invite you to participate in the event!

 

 

Organizational information

Date: November 14, 2026 (Saturday), 9:30 AM–6:00 PM

Location: Main Building of Gdańsk University of Technology, ul. Gabriela Narutowicza 11/12, Gdańsk

 

 

Tickets

Agenda of the event

 

We know the winners of the 7th Oliwa Neighborhood Budget!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

A food-sharing station in Oliwa, photographic portraits of residents marking the 100th anniversary of the district’s incorporation into Gdańsk, intergenerational craft workshops, and another edition of the concert in Oliwa Park. These are the four projects awarded in the 7th edition of the Oliwa Neighborhood Budget. This year’s program pool amounts to PLN 24,000, with prize funding provided by Olivia Centre, Andrzej Stelmasiewicz, and Przemysław Skokowski, a councillor for the Przymorze Małe district.

 

The awards ceremony took place on October 20 at the Oliwa Culture Town Hall. This year’s winners proposed projects of a very diverse nature, ranging from practical solutions that make food sharing easier to cultural initiatives that highlight the district’s history, encourage community gatherings, and draw attention to important social issues. The ceremony concluded with a lecture titled “Oliwa Park and the Green Surroundings of Oliwa,” delivered by Dr. Habil. Eng. Arch. Katarzyna Rozmarynowska, an architect, urban planner, and researcher of the history of Gdańsk’s gardens, a longtime lecturer at Gdańsk University of Technology, and author of numerous academic publications on the history of urban greenery, including the book “Vanishing Gardens…? From the History of Gdańsk’s Public Green Spaces 1708–1945.”

 

The Oliwa Neighborhood Budget was established in 2020 on the initiative of Olivia Centre, to support ideas from residents and local organizations working for the benefit of Oliwa and Przymorze Małe. From the very beginning, the project’s partner has been Andrzej Stelmasiewicz, an Oliwa-based entrepreneur, community activist, and cultural animator, founder of the Gdańsk Community Foundation. In 2024, Przemysław Skokowski, an entrepreneur and councillor for the Przymorze Małe district, joined the group of funders. Together with Olivia Centre, they contribute their own funds to carry out neighborhood initiatives. This year, that amount totals PLN 24,000.

 

Funding may be applied for by non-governmental organizations, foundations, associations, local organizations, as well as residents themselves. Projects are evaluated by a jury made up of representatives from local institutions, community activists, district representatives, and Olivia Centre.

 

Four funded projects

One of the winners is the Regional Volunteer Centre in Gdańsk, which submitted the project “Food-Sharing Station at RSM Budowlani.” The first small food-sharing station in Gdańsk—a publicly accessible fridge and shelf for food placed inside a building—will be set up in a housing cooperative building at 569 Grunwaldzka Avenue. Anyone will be able to leave surplus, good-quality food there or take products donated by others free of charge. Local entrepreneurs will also be invited to take part in the initiative. The project, coordinated by Karol Krzyczkowski, aims to reduce food waste and serve residents, including the many seniors living in the cooperative’s housing stock. The Regional Volunteer Centre in Gdańsk already has experience running a food-sharing station in Gdańsk’s Orunia district.

 

“Faces of Oliwa. Stories and Frames” is a project by Daria Balabai, a cultural animator, film director, and founder of the Ukrainian Library in Gdańsk. To mark the 100th anniversary of Oliwa’s incorporation into Gdańsk, a series of resident portraits will be created using traditional photographic techniques, in the style of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Those photographed will include both people with generations-long ties to Oliwa and its newer residents, including people with migration backgrounds. The photographs will be accompanied by their personal stories and memories. The project also includes analog photography workshops, an outdoor exhibition, and the creation of a digital archive, which will help preserve residents’ stories for future generations.

 

Also among the winners is the Park ON Association, which supports people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, as well as their caregivers. The association will organize, for the eighth time, the “Concert in the Park with James P. and a Hat in the Background.” The free event will take place on July 4, 2027, in Oliwa Park. Concerts organized by Park ON have attracted residents and tourists for years, combining music with raising awareness about Parkinson’s disease. They are also an opportunity to thank individuals and institutions that support patients. The organizers place particular emphasis on making the event accessible to those whose health makes it difficult to attend concerts held indoors. It has also become a tradition for the audience to wear hats and fanciful headgear. The concert will be accompanied by a presentation of ceramic works made by association members and the presentation of “Uskrzydlenia” statuettes.

 

The fourth award-winning project is “Intergenerational Meetings,” submitted by Anna Wesołowska-Owczarska of the informal neighborhood group Pirates Club. Four craft workshops will be held at the “Przy Rynku” library in Przymorze, during which residents of various ages will work together to create jewelry from beads, natural stones, and elements of old ornaments. The project’s initiator hopes to encourage participants not only to creatively reuse recycled materials, but also to talk and share family stories. The workshops will be an opportunity to meet neighbors, develop interests, and spend time without phones or social media.

 

From Idea to Implementation

In the Oliwa Neighborhood Budget, what matters most are ideas that respond to residents’ needs. This year’s winners propose both new ventures, such as the Food-Sharing Station and Oliwa’s photographic archive, and the continuation of initiatives that already have loyal and engaged participants and audiences.

Seven editions of the program also mean seven years of cooperation between Olivia Centre and residents, social organizations, local entrepreneurs, and district representatives. Thanks to joint funding, projects can be realized that their initiators would otherwise find difficult to finance on their own. And residents of Oliwa and Przymorze Małe gain new places, events, and opportunities for working together.

Gdańsk Metropolitan Area established at the Olivia Star summit

Posted on by Zosia Nadolska

A ceremonial 31st session of the Gdańsk City Council was held at Olivia Star in Gdańsk, during which a resolution was adopted to establish a new metropolitan union in Pomerania.

 

The Gdańsk Metropolitan Area is gradually becoming a reality. The next step toward its establishment was a ceremonial session of the Gdańsk City Council, attended by representatives of 61 municipalities forming the Gdańsk Metropolitan Area. Among the invited guests was also Elżbieta Bieńkowska, Chair of the Centre for European Policy Studies, former European Commissioner, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Development, and Minister of Regional Development.

 

Gdańsk Metropolitan Area – a new growth impulse for Pomerania

 

The Gdańsk Metropolitan Area (GOM) represents one of the most significant institutional and developmental events in the region’s history since the local government reforms. The metropolis is set to begin operations on January 1, 2027, replacing the previously functioning Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot Metropolitan Area association.

 

The new structure will comprise 61 local government units, including cities, municipalities, and counties from the Tricity area and its surroundings. The area covered by the Gdańsk Metropolitan Area is home to over 1.5 million people, making it the second most populous statutory metropolitan area in Poland after the Upper Silesian-Dąbrowa Basin Metropolis.

 

Gdańsk will serve as the central hub of the metropolis, though its development is intended to rely on a polycentric structure that also includes Gdynia, Sopot, Wejherowo, Reda, Pruszcz Gdański, Tczew, and dozens of smaller urban and rural municipalities. The main goal of the reform is not to create a new administrative level or change the boundaries of local governments, but to establish a lasting mechanism for coordinating actions in areas where individual municipalities have limited capacity to act.

 

The metropolitan act will allow us to create a new institution responsible for spending the funds that, thanks to the act, will remain at the disposal of the residents of Pomerania – said Agnieszka Owczarczak, Chair of the Gdańsk City Council, after the session. And these are significant amounts, as in the first year the Gdańsk Metropolitan Area will have 150 million PLN at its disposal, and in the following years this amount will grow to as much as 500 million PLN annually, to be spent for the benefit of the residents of Pomerania.

 

Michał Glaser, President of the Management Board of the Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot Metropolitan Area, in turn emphasized the symbolism of the place where the resolution was adopted:It was at Olivia Star that the Smart Metropolis congresses were held, and it was here that knowledge tests about the metropolis took place, promoting the idea of establishing the union, so I am very pleased that this historic resolution was adopted precisely in this place. However, the most important work still lies ahead of us. Starting in January 2027, we will be working to make up for the backlog in public transport, so that buses, trains, and trams are managed by a single entity, allowing for a single ticket for Tricity residents, a coherent network of connections, and well-coordinated public transit. The second area of cooperation and benefit will be economic development and innovation, and we are counting heavily on entrepreneurs joining in the creation of the metropolis and becoming partners in the Gdańsk Metropolitan Area project.

 

The location of the session was not chosen by chance. Olivia Centre is a symbol of the region’s development, the business hub of Gdańsk, and a place offering views not only of Gdańsk but also of a large part of the metropolitan area. Olivia Centre has been a long-standing supporting member of the association, working toward the creation of the metropolis. In this largest business center in Poland, more than 200 companies operate, ranging from SMEs, which form the backbone of the Polish economy, to the largest, globally recognized brands – says Bogusław Wieczorek, Management Board Plenipotentiary at Olivia Centre.The strength of Pomerania stems from the region’s entrepreneurial spirit, but we believe that the establishment of the metropolitan union will enable even greater and better-coordinated regional development. We see the greatest opportunities in the development of public infrastructure, road networks and public transport, as well as funding for scientific research and support for innovation and cooperation between business and academia.

 

A key argument in favor of establishing the metropolis is the new financial opportunities it brings. The metropolitan union will receive a share of the PIT (personal income tax) revenue paid by residents of the region. According to local government estimates, as early as the first year of operation, the metropolis could have around 150 million PLN in additional funds at its disposal, while after full implementation of the system, the annual budget could reach as much as around 500 million PLN. This means that a significant portion of funds that previously went directly to the state budget will now remain in Pomerania.

 

Public transport is likely to be the biggest beneficiary of the new funds. The metropolis will gain the authority to integrate bus, rail, tram, and trolleybus transport, and to create a unified transport policy for the entire area. Plans include further development of the joint metropolitan ticket, synchronization of timetables, and the elimination of so-called transport blind spots, i.e. areas with limited access to public transit. Additional funds may be allocated to purchasing new rolling stock, developing rail and bus connections, and carrying out road investments of supra-local significance.

 

The new metropolis will also be responsible for strategic spatial planning and the coordination of major infrastructure investments. This will make it easier to jointly prepare transport, logistics, and economic projects whose impact extends beyond the borders of individual municipalities. It will also facilitate access to domestic and European funding for projects carried out on a region-wide scale.

 

An important feature of the Pomeranian metropolitan act is its strong emphasis on environmental issues. The coastal region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, which is why environmental protection and climate change adaptation have been included among the metropolis’s responsibilities. This opens the way for joint implementation of projects related to water management, protection of coastal areas, improving air quality, increasing energy efficiency, and developing green infrastructure.

 

A particularly interesting solution is the statutory support for research and innovation activities. The regulations stipulate that at least 5% of the metropolitan union’s budget will be allocated to scientific research and cooperation with universities. This means it will be possible to finance projects carried out jointly by local governments and the academic community, including, among others, the University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk University of Technology, and the Medical University of Gdańsk. With a budget reaching 500 million PLN annually, this could mean around 25 million PLN allocated each year to the development of knowledge, research, and innovation.

 

Photo: Grzegorz Mehring

They Work for You While You Work. Technology in the Workplace

Posted on by Mikołaj Jana

Olivia Centre: technology in service of people. Gdańsk’s business center sets the standards for modernity.

 

Few people know that Gdańsk’s Olivia Centre is the largest business center in Poland. However, the scale of solutions implemented here—from HVAC systems to security, sustainable construction, and wellbeing—shows that Olivia Centre not only matches global leaders but surpasses them in many areas. This is a place where technology works primarily for people: employees, tenants, and residents of the Tri-City.

 

Air Quality Like the White House. Advanced HVAC Systems

One of the key elements of Olivia’s modernity is its ventilation and air conditioning systems. In recent years, a series of upgrades have been carried out that significantly improved user comfort and safety. Among the installations that distinguish Olivia in the field of global business centers are air ionizers that remove viruses, PM2.5 and PM10 particulates, allergens, mold and fungi, and restore ionic balance. In recent years, the facility has gained a number of modern solutions, such as new automation for ventilation units, new condensing units, air heating options in central units, controllers managing the amount of supply air, F7 air filters, and individual thermal comfort controllers in leased areas. The implemented solutions directly impact the health and wellbeing of users – says Bogusław Wieczorek, the representative of the management board of Olivia Centre. This is particularly significant in times of increased air quality awareness, but also contributes to significantly more efficient resource management and savings for tenants: The replacement of ventilation units resulted in 15% energy savings, and the achieved energy efficiency reached a level of 3.17, where the highest global results reach 3.20.

 

Geothermal Energy in Service of Comfort and Environment

Olivia Star—the tallest building in Northern Poland—has been equipped with a geothermal system with heat pumps unique on a national scale, utilizing the Earth’s heat through several dozen vertical probes reaching 95 meters below the building’s lowest level. The system generates both heat and cooling, produces no harmful gases, and its seasonal energy efficiency exceeds 145%. This is an example of technology that simultaneously reduces operating costs, cuts emissions, and increases user comfort.

 

Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Construction

All Olivia buildings hold BREEAM certifications—from Very Good to Excellent. Importantly, Olivia is one of the few centers in Poland to certify buildings in the fully-fitted model, covering both common areas and leased spaces. In practice, certification translates into energy-efficient water management technologies, availability of alternative forms of transport, the highest material and construction standards, and resistance to extreme weather events.

 

24/7 Security: Intelligent Systems and Full Integration

Given that several thousand people work in Olivia daily, Olivia Centre places particular emphasis on employee safety. For this reason, it has implemented a number of solutions in the facilities: extensive CCTV monitoring, the GEMOS system integrating all security systems, digital image analytics, physical security present in the facility 24/7/365, central UPS batteries in N+1 configuration, two independent power sources, and gas suppression systems in server rooms. This is infrastructure that also matters to tenants, as it minimizes the risk of failures and ensures business continuity for companies with offices in Olivia.

Communication and Access to Information

Olivia’s management has been developing an information exchange system with tenants for years. Currently, the most important forms of communication are LCD screens located in all elevators of the center, social media profiles and closed groups for members of passion development clubs and sports teams, and the website. Applications also play an important role in communication and community integration. The most popular is MyOlivia, which provides mobile access to buildings (HID Mobile Access), a proprietary ticketing system, and the ability to purchase daily or subscription access to parking. Another solution available in Olivia is the Olivka app, where guests of dining spaces and event participants can collect points and then exchange them for discounts or free event tickets.

Climate Resilience and Decarbonization

Olivia Centre has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) for years—the largest global initiative bringing together sustainable businesses. At the same time, it conducts activities in accordance with global environmental and social responsibility standards (ESG), performing annual climate risk analyses (TCFD) and conducting carbon footprint audits (GHG Protocol). Olivia has its own decarbonization strategy, which also implements solutions supporting micromobility. Olivia is also implementing the Tork PaperCircle project, closing the loop on paper towels.

All implemented solutions have resulted in Olivia obtaining the prestigious WELL Health and Safety Rating certification, demonstrating that the facility represents the highest global standards of safety and health. Olivia Centre became the first business center in the world to achieve the maximum score of 25 out of 25 points in the prestigious WELL Health-Safety Rating certification. The assessment covers cleaning procedures, crisis preparedness, access to healthcare, air and water quality, and innovations, among others. Olivia Centre’s buildings met all 25 out of 25 possible criteria, achieving the maximum score that no office facility in the world had previously obtained—emphasizes Bogusław Wieczorek. Among the 25 analyzed categories were also those related to innovations and technologies operating in our facilities, and we also achieved the maximum number of points possible in these areas. This shows that the Gdańsk facility is among the most innovative and socially responsible centers in the world. The WELL HSR badge placed at building entrances informs every user of the highest level of safety and health care. This is a clear signal to employees and guests: here, the quality of the work environment is a priority.

 

Olivia Centre—A Technological Leader That Puts People at the Center

Olivia Centre is not an ordinary office complex. Years of implemented solutions and investments in technology allow us to speak of it as an ecosystem of modern technologies that improve air quality, increase safety, reduce energy consumption, support health, build community, and enhance work and life comfort. Many of these solutions serve as an example of how to effectively use innovation: with technology in service of people, not the other way around.

 

Olivia Is Growing and Will Soon Welcome Its First Residents

The experience gained in managing the business center has enabled the transfer of solutions to Olivia’s newest project: Olivia Pulse—the first residential building that will welcome its first residents this year. Olivia Pulse can be described as a single smart system, enabling automatic reduction of device operation during user absence, efficient energy and resource management, and activation when residents need them. Air conditioning, which will be standard in the facility, will turn off after opening a window, zoned LED lighting in corridors on all floors will be activated by motion sensors, and in the absence of presence in a given space, only selected light sources will illuminate. The operation of selected multimedia installations will also depend on user presence.

 

The facility will provide full digitization of building access and usage processes. Residents and guests will have access to the building and apartment without using keys, via an application (it will be possible to set up an application that will allow booking and opening the apartment from the app; cards will be used as standard for opening rooms, as there will be no physical keys in the building). This solution will enable fully remote apartment management, independent access management including for guests, and provide contactless parking access. The Olivia Pulse system will also allow full integration with the services, dining, sports, and wellbeing offerings available at Olivia Centre. The building’s application will be integrated with the MyOlivia app.

 

Electronic systems, however, are only part of the solutions that will be provided in the building. Olivia Pulse is being built to BREEAM certification standards, which means that smart and technological solutions are not an addition but an integral element of the project. This translates into the introduction of solutions affecting energy efficiency, rational water management, CO2 emission reduction, the use of durable and environmentally responsible finishing materials, whose quality is intended to ensure the building’s long-term operational efficiency and eliminate the need for frequent renovations and replacement of finishing materials.

 

By welcoming its first residents, Olivia Centre is not only taking another step on the path to innovation but is also becoming a fully mixed-use project—a multifunctional urban space where the lights never go out around the clock, and the project becomes part of vibrant Gdańsk.

“Between Silence and Silence.” Six Choirs, One Voice, and a Lot of Good Energy

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

It was an evening full of music, emotions, and good energy. During the “O!WACJE. Positive Concert for the End of Summer,” Olivia Centre’s patio was once again filled with hundreds of voices. The Olivia Centre Choir, along with five Tricity choirs, performed Grzegorz Turnau’s “Between Silence and Silence.” It was cheerful, reflective, and very communal. Exactly as it was meant to be.

 

A year earlier, it was “For Ourselves and For You.” Eight choirs, nearly 150 performers, and Katarzyna Nosowska’s words became a musical wish for peace, balance, and mindfulness towards others. That gathering showed that singing together can be much more than just a concert. Therefore, the story continued. This time, Grzegorz Turnau’s “Between Silence and Silence” resonated on the Olivia Centre patio. A piece that, on one hand, brings lightness and cheerfulness, and on the other, reminds us how much we need moments of pause, silence, and mindfulness. In a special arrangement prepared for the occasion by Beata Wróblewska from the Academy of Music in Gdańsk, the piece was performed by six choirs. And when the audience joined the singers, the boundary between stage and audience virtually disappeared.

 

Six Different Choirs. One Music

 

Performing on stage were:

Olivia Centre Choir conducted by Wiktoria Pagieła

Fahrenheit Universities Alumni Choir “Non Serio” conducted by Beata Borowicz

Oliwa Neighborhood House Choir “Po Sąsiadach” conducted by Beata Borowicz

Sopot Mundus Cantat Choir conducted by Joanna Szutowicz

Medical University of Gdańsk Choir led by Błażej Połom and Aleksandra Zawada

Incontro Choir conducted by Aleksandra Zawada

 

The choristers were also accompanied by Hubert Świątek on piano and Magdalena Maniewska on oboe.

 

Each ensemble brought its own character, sound, and experience to the concert. However, they were united by the same need: to meet in music and show that singing can truly build relationships between people.

From “For Ourselves and For You” to “Between Silence and Silence”

O!WACJE was a natural continuation of the project that, a year earlier, brought choirs together around the song “For Ourselves and For You” by Katarzyna Nosowska and Marcin Macuk. At that time, the main message was: “We can afford peace of mind.” The joint performance was meant to remind us of mental health, the need for balance, closeness, and mutual support. The project involved a diverse group of people: choristers associated with companies, universities, local communities, seniors, and individuals connected with the PARK ON Association, which supports people with Parkinson’s disease.

 

This year’s “Between Silence and Silence” developed the same idea, though in a different language. Because we live in a world full of stimuli, duties, information, and haste. We are always heading somewhere, responding to something, keeping an eye on something. Music allowed us to momentarily stop this rhythm. And that is precisely why the choice of Grzegorz Turnau’s song was not accidental. “Between Silence and Silence” sounded like a reminder that sometimes it’s worth slowing down, making space for breath, for one’s own emotions, and for the people standing next to us.

 

Let’s Listen Together!

Singing Together Works

The Olivia Centre Choir has shown for years that singing does not require a professional stage or a single shared history. Its members work daily in various companies and industries, meeting after hours because music connects them. During O!WACJE, this idea once again extended far beyond a single group. People of different ages, from various backgrounds, with diverse musical experience stood on one stage. Amateurs and professional musicians. Students, employees, Tricity residents. People who perhaps had never met before, but that evening sang in one rhythm. It is in such moments that it is best seen that a choir is not just a sum of voices. It is a community.

 

A Positive End to Summer

O!WACJE was a concert to bid farewell to summer, but instead of nostalgia, it brought above all the joy of being together. There were cheerful and more reflective pieces. There was an audience that listened, reacted, and, of course, sang. There was music prepared for many weeks and the satisfaction of the moment when all individual voices merged into one sound. A year earlier, the choirs wished themselves and others that we could afford peace of mind. This time, they reminded us that sometimes you just need to find your own place between silence and silence. And be there together.

Photo by Piotr Połoczański

Let’s recall the message “We can afford peace of mind”

 

Listen to the full performance of “We can afford peace of mind”

PÓŁNOCNY POMAGA Helps Again! 7.4 km for the Gdańsk Hospice. Join!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

On October 3, Gdańsk will once again run to help. Ahead of us is the 9th PÓŁNOCNY POMAGA Charity Run. All proceeds from entry fees and donations will be allocated to the reconstruction of the Hospice of Father Eugeniusz Dutkiewicz SAC in Gdańsk.

 

The event is organized by Erste Bank Polska S.A. (formerly Santander Bank) and the Erste Bank Polska S.A. Ignacy Jan Paderewski Foundation. Olivia Centre once again supports this initiative, and just like in previous years, the run will start right here! Participants will set off from our resident’s headquarters at 11:00 AM. In other words, from NetWork Spot Erste Bank Polska at al. Grunwaldzka 472. The finish line will be at Plac Zebrań Ludowych, near the Oliwa Gate.

 

This is an event where the result takes a back seat. The distance of 7.4 km can be covered by running or power walking, at your own pace, and those who cannot be in Gdańsk can also join virtually, from anywhere in the world.

 

PÓŁNOCNY POMAGA is taking place for the ninth time. Since 2018, 12,979 people have participated, and a total of PLN 632,206 has been donated to the Hospice Foundation. Thanks to this support, it has been possible, among other things, to help build the Respite Care Centre and support the ongoing, vital activities of the Hospice of Father Eugeniusz Dutkiewicz SAC. This year, the common goal is to raise funds for the reconstruction of the hospice.

 

  • The run will take place on October 3, 2026.
  • The entry fee for adults is PLN 60.
  • Children and youth up to 18 years of age can participate free of charge.
  • Registration for the stationary run is open until September 30, and for the virtual run until October 2.

 

You don’t have to break records. You can run, walk, or join virtually. The common goal is the most important thing. Join the 9th PÓŁNOCNY POMAGA Charity Run and cover 7.4 km for the Gdańsk hospice!

 

Register and check run details

Learn more about the Hospice Foundation

Get to know the Hospice of Father Eugeniusz Dutkiewicz

 

Healthy October at Olivia Centre. Take care of yourself!

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

For years, October has been associated with Pinktober, the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, primarily reminding us of the importance of prevention and regular check-ups. At Olivia Centre, we want to look at health even more broadly. Therefore, on October 2nd, we invite you to Health Day, during which you will be able to benefit from preventive examinations, consultations with specialists, and advice on daily self-care and well-being, all in one place.

 

Mammobus – prevention that matters

One of the most important points of the program will be the mammobus, a mobile clinic equipped with mammography apparatus. This examination allows for the detection of alarming changes in the breasts, even when they do not yet show any symptoms.

Health Day will therefore be a good opportunity not to postpone prevention and to undergo the examination on-site at Olivia Centre. Advance registration is required for mammography.

Register for a mammobus examination

 

Blood tests and Oncopackage

A mobile clinic will also be available on-site, where you can undergo blood tests, including the specially prepared Oncopackage.

Regular laboratory tests are one of the basic elements of prevention. They can provide the doctor with information about the body’s functioning and indicate abnormalities requiring further diagnosis. Advance registration is also required here.

Register for tests

LUX MED specialists on-site

Health is not just about test results. During the event, you will also be able to talk to LUX MED experts representing several different areas of healthcare.

Participants will meet specialists from LUX MED Harmonia, dealing with mental health, representatives of LUX MED Hospital, and experts from LUX MED Stomatologia. This is an opportunity to talk, gain information, and ask questions about available forms of prevention and care.

 

Intestines, microbiota, and immunity

It is worth thinking about health holistically. Therefore, during Health Day, there will also be an OmniBiotic stand, dedicated to intestinal microflora and its importance for the proper functioning of the body.

Experts will explain how diet, lifestyle, and daily habits, among other factors, affect the microbiota and how to support it every day.

 

And after the examinations – a moment for yourself

Because health also means rest, balance, and good food. After the examinations and consultations, we invite you to the relaxation and gastronomy zone. A food truck will arrive at Parking C, and there will also be drinks and a space where you can slow down for a moment.

 

When: October 2nd, Friday
Where: Olivia Centre, Parking C
Who for: for Olivia Centre Residents and guests, women and men

 

October is a good time to remember what is easily postponed in the daily rush. On October 2nd, do something good for yourself and visit Health Day at Olivia Centre.

 

 


These aren’t all the attractions for the day; we’ll be adding more as we go!! 

3city_4seasons. The Tricity Through Patrycja Urban’s Lens

Posted on by Katarzyna Halicka

The Baltic Sea, light, horizon, and changing seasons. A new photography exhibition, “3city_4seasons,” by Patrycja Urban, can be viewed in the Olivia Star lobby. The exhibition is another installment in the Olivia Art series. Admission is free.

 

Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia seen through the prism of four seasons. Spectacular sunrises and sunsets, the ever-changing faces of the Baltic Sea. Sky, water, and light. Patrycja Urban photographs places well-known to Tricity residents, extracting the atmosphere and details that are easily overlooked in the daily rush. Her photos show how diverse the coastal landscape can be and how much changes with the time of day, weather, and passing months.

 

The exhibition’s author works daily in Olivia Centre’s Legal Department. Photography is her passion, and “3city_4seasons” is an opportunity to share it with a wider audience. It also serves as a reminder that the Olivia community is rich with talents developed outside of professional work.

 

 

Olivia Art. What has been exhibited so far?

 

The exhibition is part of the Olivia Art project, under which Olivia Centre’s spaces have for years become a venue for presenting the works of local artists. In the Olivia Star lobby, one can view photography, painting, sculpture, and other forms of artistic expression.

 

The year 2026 opened with the exhibition “Between the Horizon and the Glass,” featuring works by Aneta Iwona Oniszczuk-Jastrząbek. In spring, sculptures by Stanisław Gierada were displayed in the Olivia Star lobby, and most recently, we presented paintings by Piotr and Paweł Cielątkowski there.

 

We invite you to the Olivia Star lobby. The exhibition can be viewed free of charge. It’s worth a visit to be captivated!

 

More works by the author: 3city_4seasons on Instagram.