At the construction site of the Jerzy Kukuczka Himalayan Centre, carried out by Budimex SA, a traditional topping out was hung to symbolise the completion of a key stage of construction work. It is a unique investment that will combine museum, educational, sports and social functions, creating a space commemorating one of the most outstanding figures of world Himalayan climbing. The project is of particular importance for Katowice – it is being built in the historical part of the city and will be combined with the premises at 94 Markiefki Street, where Jerzy Kukuczka lived, thanks to which it will gain a direct connection with the biography of its patron.
The topping out ceremony took place on June 30, 2026 at the construction site of the Jerzy Kukuczka Himalayan Center in Katowice. Budimex is the general contractor of the investment carried out for the City of Katowice, on behalf of which Katowickie Inwestycje S.A. acts. The event was attended by representatives of the investor, the contractor, local government authorities and the Himalayan environment, m.in. Marcin Krupa, Mayor of the City of Katowice, Andrzej Hołda, President of the Management Board of Katowice Investments S.A., Cecylia Kukuczka, wife of Jerzy Kukuczka, Wojciech Kukuczka, son of the Himalayan climber, as well as Krzysztof Wielicki and Ryszard Pawłowski, outstanding Polish Himalayan climbers.
The topping out was related to the completion of reinforced concrete works in the part of the building intended for the installation of the climbing wall, which is also the highest point of the building. Reinforced concrete works in tenement houses at 96 Markiefki Street and 3 Katowicka Street have also been completed. The implementation of these elements allows to start further important processes on the construction site, including the finalization of the design of the climbing wall and preparation for its installation, as well as roofing works and further finishing works.
“The topping out confirms the completion of one of the most important construction stages of this investment. We have reached the highest point of the facility and can move on to further works, including roofing work, installation of the climbing wall and finishing. It is a demanding project, combining modern museum, sports and educational functions with the historical fabric of Katowice,” says Tomasz Bzówka, Contract Director at Budimex SA.
The construction of the Himalayan Center began in January 2025. The scope of the investment includes the extension, extension and reconstruction of the buildings at 3 Katowicka Street and Markiefki 96 Street, along with a change in their use. The facilities will be adapted for the needs of culture, sports, gastronomy, services and administration. Both buildings are included in the Municipal Register of Monuments.
The new cubature part will functionally combine the existing buildings into one facility of the Jerzy Kukuczka Himalayan Centre. The scope of works has also been extended to include the so-called right of option, including, m.in, the extension of the building at 96 Markiefki Street from the south side and the execution of a connection with premises No. 14 in the building at 94 Markiefki Street, where Jerzy Kukuczka lived.
The Himalayan Center will be a multifunctional facility. It will include a museum and exhibition part, an activity zone with a climbing wall and a large auditorium, as well as an office and administrative part. The contracting authority is also planning to implement a 5D cinema, which was not included in the basic scope of works.
The investment is planned to be completed in February 2027.
