Budapest works on revitalizing the historic city centre
“The Heart of Budapest” programme aims to revitalise the urban space by restricting traffic in its historic centre. Budapest has experienced a significant increase in amount of traffic in the past 20 years. Now the area is reallocated primarily to pedestrians and cyclists. With this urban renewal programme the attractiveness of the city centre is regained for its local residents.
Strengthening the cultural, commercial and administrative role of the historic centre of the city
The National Development Agency of Hungary formulates the main goal of the programme as “strengthening the cultural, commercial and administrative role of the historic centre of the city”. This goal has 6 sub goals attached to it, namely:
- Improving the urban environment;
- Refurbishing run-down historic buildings;
- Regaining the attractiveness for local residents and the establishment of commercial activities;
- Substantively decreasing the amount of traffic;
- Creating space and rest for pedestrians and cyclists;
- Decreasing air pollution.
Project completely funded by public finances
The local government planned to finance this programme through a public-private partnership with local shop owners. Lack of interest amongst this group to co-finance forced the local government to fund the programme solely from public finances. 7 million of the total costs of 20 million was financed by the EU.
Time scheme
After approval of the programme in 2007, the first phase was implemented in 2009. EU support was received in 2008. The first phase was directed at constructing the Main Street, that was opened to the public in April, 2010. It consisted of the construction of a 1.7 km long traffic-calmed axis. The second phase has begun in March 2011. Hereafter, a third phase and finishing phase will follow.
Results so far
- Creation of a for local residents and tourists attractive public space suitable for walking, bicycling and relaxing;
- An economic impulse because of the settling of high-quality service oriented establishments and plans for new property developments like hotels;
- Refurbishing of deteriorating historic buildings.
Problematic aspects and suggestions for future improvement
The interruption between implementation of phases of the
programme led to a lack of continuity in implementing the programme
as a whole. To avoid effectiveness of the measures or only reaching
short-time positive effects, it is recommended to implement a
programme like the “Heart of Budapest” as a whole.