EC1 Łódź - City of Culture is a revitalized and extended complex of the first Lodz commercial power plant. It has been part of the Nowe Centrum Łódź project, implemented by the City of Łódź since 2007. The history of EC1 began on May 25th, 1906 when, at a plot located at Targowa Street, construction work on the first commercial power plant in Łódź commenced. The Machine Hall, currently used as an exhibition and concert hall, built in the Art Nouveau style, dates back to that period. The rapid development of the power plant was stopped by World War I and the extensive damage to Łódź's industry.

On May 15th, 2008 the City Council of Łódź Resolution, establishing "EC1 Łódź – City of Culture" in Łódź, entered into force. This institution, supported by the Investment Bureau at the Department of Property Management of Łódź City Council, commenced revitalizing works in the former heat and power plant area. Renovation and modernization of the post-industrial buildings was conducted, along with their conversion to new functions.

Revitalization took into account the importance and nature of the area, referring to the historical character of the buildings themselves. The historical layout and "density" of the area were recreated to a great extent. The revitalized and expanded EC1 East complex now fulfils cultural, artistic and social functions. At the same time, it is an important element of the New Centre of Łódź, combining architectural trends from the previous century and cutting-edge post-industrial features. It is designed to be an open space for various artists, fully adapted to fit the roles of individual workshops and events, with suitable infrastructure for those purposes. It is also a space for institutions organizing cultural and educational events for the residents of Łódź, as well as for many other people.