The Budapest Grand Boulevard could be renewed - the action plan for the development was presented.

The development is centered around the renewal of public spaces, which would be implemented with approximately 10 billion forints of EU funding. A key element of this is the preservation of the tree-lined avenue along the Grand Boulevard and, where possible, the restoration of its historical line. In addition to green investments, an important goal is to modernize the transportation infrastructure: making the boulevard more human-friendly and safer for pedestrians and cyclists, while also improving conditions for car traffic through road renovations.

The program also includes economic development elements. The aim is to encourage small businesses and expand the range of services and commerce, while the number of vacant commercial properties is already showing a declining trend. The establishment of a "boulevard management" has also been proposed to ensure higher quality operation of public spaces.

In renewing the image, they seek partnership with property owners: they are preparing a more unified visual appearance and a facade renovation program that can also provide support for condominium buildings. Plans also include strengthening cultural functions, so that the Grand Boulevard becomes a vibrant urban space suitable for meetings.

Samu Balogh, the head of the BKK public space development program, indicated that an action plan containing feasible projects has been completed and is available on the capital's website. The portal program makes suggestions for organizing shop windows on a building-by-building basis. Due to construction, they would not cut down any trees, and instead of the ones that need to be replaced, at least two new trees would be planted.

Sándor Bardóczi, chief landscape architect, emphasized, citing Blaha Lujza Square as an example: by expanding the root space of the trees, they would provide a healthier living environment, and health-improving interventions are also planned for 78 trees. Ádám Bodor, deputy CEO of BKK for mobility, highlighted that the Grand Boulevard will remain one of the main transportation axes of the capital, but its role is increasingly shifting towards sustainable modes of transportation. The cycling infrastructure is strengthened by the bike lane project realized with 4.5 billion forints of EU support, and designated parking lanes are also being created for residents and businesses.

As part of economic development, they would also analyze anonymous traffic data to better understand the operations of shops. Between March 3 and 11, they will present the plans at community forums in the affected districts. The renewed image of the Grand Boulevard is defined by the "Neon-Lit Boulevard" concept, which won the tender announced for this purpose.

Photo: Image by Gergő Galambos and Döme Vereczkei

For more details, visit the Capital's website!