Suburbanizacja demograficzna i przestrzenna na Obszarze Metropolitalnym Gdańsk-Gdynia-Sopot = Demographic and spatial suburbanization in the Gdańsk‑Gdynia‑Sopot Metropolitan Area

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to identify demographic and spatial suburbanization in the Gdansk-Gdynia-Sopot Metropolitan Area. To illustrate the issue, a coverage map and statistical data taking into account the dynamics indicators were used. Data from the Central Statistical Office demonstrate stagnation of the population in the core of the metropolis, but the data do not include unregistered migrants. The results show intensive growth of population in the near suburban zone, i.e. functional zone and slight increase in the further suburban zone, i.e. potential functional zone. The dynamics in the number of new dwellings, which is one of the measures of spatial urbanization indicates that the highest growth is recorded in near suburban zone and next in the core of the metropolis i.e. in Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot. In the further suburban zone the process of extensive suburbanization is observed. Additionally, suburbanization is being affected by the new railway line, i.e. the Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway. The first changes of increasing in construction can be noticed. It should be emphasized that the new railway favors concentrating the suburbanization process by new investments located near the line. Especially in the area of the city of Gdansk, an increasing number of housing estates are being built in sites near the metropolitan railway. Moreover, a lot of investments are being made in the neighboring rural district of Żukowo, in which the number of issued decisions on building conditions increased significantly. The forecasts indicate an increase in the population of the suburban area, especially the rural population, therefore this investment proved to be adequate and necessary, allowing to direct so far chaotic process of suburbanization.