Olivia Centre, one of the most dynamically developing office centres in Europe, has been not only developing its business for years, but also actively involved in the life of the local community. An example is the “Oliwa Neighbourhood Budget”, which has been implemented for four years. This initiative, which is an expression of corporate social responsibility, enables the inhabitants of Oliwa to influence the development of their surroundings.

Oliwa Neighbourhood Budget – how does it work?

The Oliwa Neighbourhood Budget is a programme that allows the residents of Oliwa to submit their ideas for social and infrastructure projects that can contribute to improving the quality of life in the district. Olivia Centre, as the organiser of the initiative, provides funds to cover the costs of implementation of selected projects submitted by residents. The budget was established on the initiative of Olivia Centre, and one of the Gdańsk councillors, a local cultural animator Andrzej Stelmasiewicz, also participates financially in it. All previous editions of the neighbourhood budget have made it possible to co-finance projects with a total value of nearly PLN 70,000. The selection is made by a jury consisting of local activists, cultural animators, representatives of institutions and sponsors.

Olivia Centre: community in the first place

Olivia Centre is strongly involved in building a community of residents and supporting the community of the Oliwa district. The aim of the Oliwa Neighbourhood Budget is not only to improve infrastructure or organise social events, but also to build a sense of community and civic engagement. By supporting local initiatives, Olivia Centre builds trust and good relations with the inhabitants of Oliwa, while promoting values that are important to the business community in the centre, such as innovation, responsibility and commitment.

How do I submit a project?

The pool of funds allocated for the financed projects will amount to PLN 18 thousand. Both soft projects (organization of meetings, courses or workshops) as well as infrastructure projects that will permanently fit into the character of the Oliwa space can apply for funding. The call for applications in this year’s edition lasts until 7 September 2023 and takes place using the form on the website: www.oliviacentre.com/o-nas/formularz-budzet/.

Completed projects

During the four years of operation of the Oliwa Neighbourhood Budget, many different projects have been implemented. Among them were both those related to local infrastructure, such as the expansion of the Oliwa Recreation Station on the premises of the nearby Primary School No. 35, as well as social initiatives, including workshops for children and cultural projects. In the last edition, the following projects were won: “Neighbourhood in the Gate”, “Sportowy Gaj” and puppet making workshops.

The first one consisted in the organization of integration meetings in the autumn and winter period, providing an attraction for the youngest residents of the district, seniors, as well as guests from Ukraine who settled in Oliwa. Thanks to the implementation of the “Sports Grove” project, more publicly available physical exercise equipment was installed on the premises of Primary School No. 35, intended both for the school’s students (during lessons) and other residents of Oliwa during extracurricular hours. The third project that received funding were puppetry workshops carried out in the Oliwa Library, Primary School No. 35 and the First Social Primary School.

Working on the workshops at every stage: from working on the idea and preparing materials, to working with the participants, gave me great satisfaction. Handicraft activities are great for the development and well-being of both adults and children. I am glad that thanks to the funds from the Oliwa Neighbourhood Budget I was able to implement this project. – says Małgorzata Martusewicz, the author of the application and the workshop animator.

Olivia Centre, through the organisation of the Oliwa Neighbourhood Budget, shows that a business centre is also a responsibility for the environment and the life of the local community. The inhabitants of Oliwa are often our Residents and people who take advantage of Olivia’s cultural or gastronomic offer – from the youngest participants of Lego workshops, to seniors, spectators of theatrical performances staged at the 34th Winter Olympics. Floor. I am convinced that this synergy not only contributes to the development of Oliwa, but also creates an atmosphere in which the residents feel important and appreciated, being able to implement their civic intentions with the budget provided by us” – sums up Bogusław Wieczorek from Olivia Centre, who is also a member of the Council for Volunteering at the Mayor of Gdansk.