Settlements in the Process of Renewal within the Framework of New Hungary Development Plan 1 March 2010
Assistance contracts underpinning the functional extension and development of three towns and districts in the Central Hungary region were signed in the last week of February. This time round, it is the towns of Vác and Érd, as well as the district of Rákosmente (17th District of Budapest) that have been granted funding made available through regional programmes.
Funding amounting to 270 billion HUF has been earmarked for urban developments over the 2007-2013 period within the framework of the New Hungary Development Plan.
Among others, public lighting will be developed by installing street lighting fittings, consoles and recessed lights within the framework of the first phase of the "High Street – Main Square Programme" to be implemented in Vác. Besides planting trees and carrying out abutment construction works, a stone block stairway will also be built, information signs, chairs and benches will be placed on the square and its pavement will also be renewed. Infrastructural developments will also take place within the framework of this development implemented with the help of EU funding amounting to nearly 700 million HUF, more specifically, the electricity network will be extended, the rainwater drainage system will be upgraded and the municipal water works, as well as the telephone and cable television network will also be renewed. Heritage protection will equally be enforced within the framework of urban rehabilitation; among others, archaeological work at Révkapu (Pier Gate) and the adjacent town wall will be carried out. The external facade of two business centres in Fürdő Street maintained by individual small enterprises, however, under the management ofalthough owned by the local government, will be renewed. Windows and doors will be replaced, the heating system will be renewed and a new events hall and boiler room will be created in the Beer House. A 100-square-metre pergola will be added to the guest centre and access to disabled toilet facilities will also be ensured.
The centre of the District of Rákosmente will be developed within the framework of the project called "Winning space – let’s renew public squares in Keresztúr together". An attractive main square with handicap access, trees and water features will be created where the bus terminal once stood within the framework of this project to be implemented with the help of EU funding amounting to 936 million HUF. Access to the Internet, an info-point, as well as public toilets will be created on the main square. Street and footpath paving will be laid opposite the main square at the junction of Pesti Road and Ferihegyi Road. The garden of the Fuchs Estate under local heritage protection located next to the Mayor’s Office will be aesthetically upgraded. In addition, the green area along the northern side of Pesti Road and its infrastructures will be developed, handicap access will be created to the Mayor’s Office and its energy system will be upgraded, landscaping will take place on the public square in front of Szent Kereszt (Holy Cross) Church, which will consequently evolve into a community space, and public lighting will be modernised thanks to this development.
The town centre precinct in Érd will be made more attractive and its functional operation will be developed with the help of EU funding amounting to over 832 million HUF. Among others, the rehabilitation and functional extension of the Hungarian Museum of Geography will take place within the framework of this project and a temporary exhibition will open after this development is handed over. A restricted traffic zone will be created in Felső and Alsó Street, within the framework of which conditions required for ensuring handicap access will be also be created. A pedestrian zone will be created and public utilities will also be developed in the town. The entire ground floor and attic space of Gesztelyi House will also be renewed by reconstructing the building and an art café will be set up on the ground floor of this building. An exhibition presenting works of art by local artists will open to celebrate the hand-over of the Gesztelyi House. Events and concerts strengthening local affiliation will be organised to mark the ceremonious hand-over of the main square. Moreover, community and economic forums, a drawing contest, local history competition, sports events, family programmes, as well as bus sight-seeing tours will also be organised.