On Friday, at a press conference, the Budapest Transport Centre (BKK), the Municipality of Budapest, and the Municipality of Ferencváros announced the start of the long-awaited reconstruction works on Mester Street.

The aim of the project is to make the section in Budapest’s 9th district quieter, greener, and safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and local residents. The construction works will be carried out by Colas Közlekedésépítő Zrt. and Colas Magyarország Építőipari Zrt.

As we previously reported, the investment will include the complete renewal of the road surface and sidewalks, the construction of new pedestrian crossings, and the development of both partially and fully segregated, protected cycling infrastructure. As part of the project, tram stops will be upgraded to accommodate accessible trams, green spaces will be expanded, and more than 6,500 perennial plants will be planted across nearly 1,000 square metres. These green areas will be supported by a new irrigation system, while parking facilities will also be adjusted to better meet the needs of residents and local businesses.

The event was attended by:

• Gergely Karácsony, Mayor of Budapest,
• Krisztina Baranyi, Mayor of Ferencváros,
• and Ádám Bodor, Deputy CEO for Mobility at BKK.

Part of a coordinated urban renewal programme

At the press conference, Gergely Karácsony emphasized that the renovation of Mester Street is an important investment in its own right, “especially considering the financial situation of the capital, which will hopefully become less challenging in the near future.”

The project also forms part of a broader strategic initiative involving a coordinated series of interconnected and mutually reinforcing renovation programmes aimed at making Ferencváros more liveable and healthier. He stated that once completed, Mester Street will become one of the most beautiful streets in Budapest.

The Mayor recalled that during the previous municipal term, Bakáts Square was renewed with support from the capital under the Tér-Köz Programme, and plans are already underway to “humanise” the Grand Boulevard (Nagykörút).

Krisztina Baranyi, Mayor of Ferencváros, said that this is a particularly important day in the district’s history, as it marks the launch of the largest public-space street renewal programme of modern-day Ferencváros.

She explained that the investment includes the renovation of both Nagykörút and Mester Street, as well as the creation of four “healthy streets” in Central Ferencváros.

According to the Mayor, within three years the project will provide a greener, calmer, and quieter environment for tens of thousands of people.

She also noted that the entire project is being financed through a combination of European Union, municipal, and district funding, with a total budget exceeding HUF 9 billion.