An interview with Agnieszka Nizio, director of Silesia City Centre in Katowice, awarded Leader by Vocation, on successful development of one of the largest and most recognisable shopping centres in the Silesian Province and the whole country, which merges shopping, entertainment and social functions, while setting trends on the Polish market. The Centre’s awarded the title of The Best & More.
This year, Silesia City Centre is celebrating its 20th anniversary, a beautiful one. How does it make you feel?
It’s an extraordinary experience to partake such an important moment in the history of Silesia. Although I’ve been managing the centre for less than a year, I can feel the energy of the place and I understand the role it plays in the lives of the region’s residents. Twenty years is a wonderful time, during which Silesia has established its position and become a symbol of changes taken place in Katowice. Many people still remember the very beginnings and the excitement felt during the opening, so today, looking at this anniversary, I see not only the history of the building, but mainly the history of the people – customers, employees and partners who have created this place over two decades. Today, I’m proud of what we’ve managed to build and joyously think of the Silesia growing in the coming years.
If you were to point out the milestones in the Silesia history, what would they be?
Certainly, its opening in 2005 – it truly was a turning point when the former “Gottwald” mine transformed into a modern centre, simultaneously retaining traces of the past, such as the “Jerzy” shaft. It’s a unique example of revitalisation, showing possible merger of history and modernity. Another milestone undoubtedly was the grand opening after extension in 2011, which attracted massive attention. This event made a lasting impression on the industry and showed Silesia’s ambitions to set standards. Today, we’re already in a new phase, focusing on strengthening Silesia’s position as a place that merges shopping, entertainment and social functions, while setting trends on the Polish market. The centre is owned and managed by NEPI Rockcastle, extensively experienced in this field.
The Katowice residents frequently mention Silesia as a place not only for shopping, but also as part of their everyday life. What makes people identify with it so strongly?
I think it’s the extremely wide, fashion-oriented offer, including premium brands, both global and Polish, difficult to find in other shopping centres. But Silesia isn’t just about shopping – it’s also a place for unique events and emotions. We regularly organise events attracting thousands, giving them the opportunity to meet famous personalities, attend concerts or take part in special events. In summer, our Summer Park is open to families wanting to spend time outdoors, and in winter, we open an ice rink, already a fixed point in our calendar. It’s also a space for business meetings – many professional conversations and initiatives take place in our cafés and restaurants. This diversity made Silesia a place that accompanies residents in many aspects of their lives and builds a real bond with them.
The Centre is located in a place of unique history. Do the residents still feel its mining character?
Yes, definitely. From the very beginning, we all wanted the memory of the mine to be present in the new space. That’s why the ‘Jerzy’ shaft and fragments of the old buildings have been preserved. It’s not only an element of architecture, but also a symbol of the history and identity of Silesia, giving the Centre a unique character – it’s not an anonymous shopping centre, but a place deeply rooted in local tradition. I believe this awareness adds authenticity to Silesia City Centre and makes residents feel “at home” while each visit. It’s a space telling their story while being open to new generations.
Silesia City Centre has been setting market trends for years. How does it build its competitive advantage today?
One of our distinguishing features is the range of premium offer, including Polish brands, becoming increasingly important to customers. These include La Mania, one of the most recognisable Polish fashion houses, Łukasz Jemioł’s atelier, Orska boutique with artistic jewellery blending craftsmanship with modern design, and Patrycja Aryton, a brand with a long tradition, focusing on elegance and timeless style. Our latest opening in this segment is Elementy, known for minimalist design and responsible approach to production. These brands perfectly complement the presence of global brands, creating a very strong mix, hard to find elsewhere. Silesia owes them becoming attractive to people looking for quality, original style and brands absent in other shopping centres, but also searching for high quality entertainment and unconventional experiences while visiting the Centre. This is an important factor as far as building a market leader position is concerned – both regionally and nationally. We want Silesia to be perceived as a unique place attracting not only customers but also brands wanting their growth in the environment of strong identity.
In recent years, shopping centres underwent significant changes. What makes Silesia stand out?
Customer expectations are changing – today, shopping centres are not only about shopping, but also about experiences, emotions and values. This perspective completely changes the approach to shopping centre management and development. That’s why our tenants are growing with us – they’re expanding and modernising their stores, introducing the latest shopping formats. We’re also consistently expanding our entertainment and service offer, and developing cooperation with local partners – from cultural institutions to social organisations. With the Social Integration Centre in Bytom we’ve recently launched a joint project, the participants of which take care of the greenery around the shopping centre. This initiative is yielding real results – it supports the environment and help s residents return to professional life. We also organise events bringing residents together and giving them a sense that Silesia is more than just a shopping centre – it’s part of their city. Such activities show that a shopping centre can be a responsible and important participant in social life.
Finally, I’d like to ask you about your award – the title of Leader by Vocation. What does it mean to you?
It’s a great honour and I accept the award with deep gratitude. What’s particularly valuable is that the award was granted by representatives of various environments – science, business, culture and the media. I treat it as confirmation that Silesia is heading in the right direction, but also as a commitment to continuously search for new development opportunities and to cooperate with the best.
Personally speaking, this award is also a source of motivation. It shows that a management style based on openness, dialogue and social sensitivity is noticed and appreciated. This gives me strength to take on new challenges and build a centre respond ing to the needs of the future – in terms of commerce and social life. I believe the coming years would bring us many more beautiful stories, written together with the residents of Katowice and the entire region.
Thank you for the interview.
Beata Sekuła
