The Building Control Office in the southern city of Katowice, Silesia province, Oct. 5 issued a use permit for the city's new railway station.

The last preparatory works, including technical checks on the sound and public announcement systems, are now under way at the station, which will be officially put into operation at the end of October. From that time on passengers will be able to use all services associated with transport as well as the numerous shops and eateries located in the commercial part of the building. The railway station concourse will provide almost 6,000 sq m for passenger service.

The opening of the railway station means the completion of the first stage of the project carried out on Szewczyka Square by the Neinver Polska and PKP SA companies. The opening of the Galeria Katowicka shopping center in the second stage of the project is scheduled by mid-2013. It will cover 53,000 sq m and offer 250 stores and other retail outlets. Passengers and shoppers will have access to an underground parking garage for 1,200 vehicles. In the last stage of the project, an office building will be constructed close to the railway station concourse.