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The concept of growth poles and one of its spatial effects, the urban sprawl, are realities that characterise today's cities of Romania. Since 1990, the city of Timisoara has shown considerable ability both in production and in the appropriation of space both within its bounds and beyond. This has strengthened its urban quality and integrated it more securely in its local area and region. Although from a demographic point of view it has stagnated, Timisoara has succeeded in developing relationships with other European cities and has won itself a place among those urban centres in Romania that are best integrated in Central Europe's network of communication and exchange. However, the urban renewal and suburban development of Timisoara, involving the re-forging of territorial links and the redefinition of the city's regional roles, is not taking place without problems. Will Timisoara's new national status (granted in 2008) of designated 'growth pole' be sufficient to solve these problems and kick-start the effective long-term development of the city and its zone of influence? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]