Széchenyi Square in Győr Renewed with EU Funding29 October 2010
In the framework of the West Pannon Operational Programme, the city of Győr received an EU grant of over 896 million HUF for the renewal of Széchenyi square and its environment. The closing event of this highlighted project financed from a budget totalling almost 2 billion HUF was held today.
The development funded from a grant that the local government of Győr won in 2009 enabled not only the renewal of the appearance of Széchenyi square and its buildings, but also the combined development of urban, community and economic functions.
Trees have been planted, flood lighting, a fountain, street furniture, drinking fountains, surveillance cameras and bicycle racks have been installed. As part of the renewal of the square the pavement has been replaced, a new gravitational stormwater drain was built, power lines were laid for public lighting, flood lighting and for public utility power supply.
In the framework of the application “Function-expanding development of Széchenyi square and its environment in Győr” several of the buildings in the vicinity of the square were involved in the development. In Xantus János Museum a 200-seat lecture hall and an events and exhibition room were created in the courtyard.
The Benedictine Monastery Historic Pharmacy has been made even more beautiful for the enjoyment of the visitors, the façade of the St. Ignatius Benedictine Church and Priory at Széchenyi square – Czuczor utca has been renewed and the church windows have been replaced. The Lloyd building has also been renewed as part of the project. Cocktail Coffee Shop and ice cream plant has opened a new hospitality unit and plant.
As a result of the investments, Győr’s Széchenyi square has become a real tourist attraction, both businessmen seeking to invest and visitors who come to watch can find interesting sights and suitable places.
So far five winning projects have received grants in the call for applications of the West Pannon Operational Programme “Function-expanding renewal of city centres in cities with county rights and rehabilitation for social purposes of cities with county rights”. In addition to Győr, the following cities have received support: Sopron, Nagykanizsa, Szombathely and Zalaegerszeg. The EU funding awarded to winning projects totals 4.1 billion HUF.