For years, one of the busiest squares in Budapest’s city centre has been craving for renewal. Colas Út Zrt. and Colas Alterra Zrt. are expected to complete the makeover of Nyugati Square until September 2015.

Under the large-scale reconstruction scheme, the pedestrian area in front of the Skála Metro department store is set to be refurbished – this surface was built over 30 years ago, and it has been in a highly deteriorated state for some time, which is unacceptable for such a lively square in the heart of the city.

By removing the objects having become unnecessary, and optimising the use of spaces, the new design aims to create a liveable public space better conforming to its intended function (a central hub, meeting point and venue for various outdoor events). After pushing together the arm-shaped staircases leading to the adjacent underpass, the size of the surface area will become bigger, thus broadening the possibilities offered by the square.

The job is much more complex than the usual surface reconstruction works, because most of the square was built on a variety of structural components over a system of pedestrian underpasses, and this requires a series of significant structural transformations. Carving back cover slabs, building new slabs and support structures, establishing utility segments and installing waterproofing all form parts of the assignment. In addition to traffic-related difficulties typical to projects in Budapest’s city centre, other investments running simultaneously on the site also make it challenging to keep the 120-day deadline.

We kicked off the woks in mid-May with the demolition phases. During the reconstruction, the square will be closed for pedestrian traffic, which will also affect certain sections of the underpass. The new surface will be composed of limestone paving blocks decorated with granite strips, planter boxes, benches, and a completely new public lighting network will also be installed. The works are expected to come to a close by September.