96 vehicles – that is the capacity of the first automatic, underground bicycle storage system in Poland, which is now operating at the Norblin Factory in Warsaw. The project was implemented by the Spanish company MA-SISTEMAS, which has similar projects to its credit in countries including Spain, Switzerland, Singapore, and Israel.
The 24/7, publicly accessible underground bicycle parking was created for those looking for a safe place to store their bicycles along with their accessories (e.g., helmets, baskets, or luggage). Its operation is fully automated and extremely simple. The system is activated via a panel at the docking station, which calls up an individual cabin. You can place your bicycle and other items inside, which then descend into the multi-level underground parking in a tightly sealed box. The entire operation takes less than 15 seconds. Retrieving the bicycle is just as fast.
– It is with great joy that we provide the residents of the capital with the first extraordinary bicycle parking facility in Poland. Warsaw has the longest network of bicycle paths in Poland, totaling over 700 km, and this number continues to grow year by year. Following the example of our western neighbors, Poles are increasingly turning toward more ecological means of transport. For years, we have been promoting sustainable transport in our investments and meeting the needs of urban cyclists – says Kinga Nowakowska, Management Board Member and Chief Operating Officer at Capital Park Group.
The parking facility is located on the side of Prosta Street, between two historic buildings: the Foundry Hall and the former Metallurgical Laboratory, which now houses the Piano Bar music club. Right next to it, there is also a self-service bicycle repair station. The external casing of the station visually corresponds with the factory surroundings. The partial glazing of the structure allows for observing the mechanism at work and references the operation of the restored factory machinery that fills the entire complex. The project was implemented by the Spanish company MA-SISTEMAS, whose proprietary underground bicycle parking concept, called Biceberg, is in operation in many cities in that country, including Barcelona and Zaragoza. Until the end of May, using the parking is free of charge. From June, the fee for one hour of bicycle storage will be 1 PLN. Payment can be made exclusively via mobile payments in the Norblin Factory application.
Currently, there are also 12 external racks available on the complex grounds, each capable of securing two bicycles. By the end of May, this number will increase to 22, providing space for 44 bicycles. An additional 200 spaces for bicycles are dedicated to the employees of the complex’s tenants, along with accompanying infrastructure: changing rooms, showers, and a repair station.
Source: Norblin Factory