The capital would use EU funds to transform a significant part of the Pest quay

The capital is working on the regeneration of the Danube bank in Pest. The central municipality of Budapest wants to make the Pest quayside greener and tidier, creating a continuous pedestrian walkway and cycling facilities, freeing up the stepped banks and increasing recreational opportunities, according to a statement. It is recalled that the BKK commissioned by the Commission to draw up the licensing plans for the complete redevelopment of the lower quay in Pest was completed in the summer.

Now the Id. Antall József quay development and the development of the area under the Elisabeth Bridge, BKK has submitted two tenders in accordance with the conditions, which, if the tender is successful and the necessary EU funding is available, the public procurement procedures for the construction are expected to start next summer.

BKK is planning to submit its application for the renewal of the Jane Haining Quay at a later stage.

The design process carried out by MG Építész Kft. was to renovate one of Budapest's most important public spaces in a green, liveable manner befitting its World Heritage status, taking into account the opinions of professional and civil organisations. The announcement emphasises that social consultation is an important element of the project: in recent years, the city administration and BKK have distributed numerous questionnaires to the population in order to identify their needs and suggestions.

The risk of flooding is also taken into account

The planned quayside is divided into three sections: the northern green-park, the central bustling-commercial and the southern metropolitan corridor.

An important consideration when drawing up the plans was that the quayside is an area at risk of flooding, as the people of the capital experienced last time in mid-September, when it had to be closed during the worst flooding of the last decade. BKK considered it appropriate at the design stage to provide design, landscaping and public realm elements that would withstand the environmental stresses of another flood and not hinder the manpower-intensive work of flood defence.

Id. Antall József quay: a multifunctional, bustling public space

• The northern part has already been developed in several phases: most recently between the Parliament and Margaret Bridge a new sidewalk with a tree line and benches was created; the exit was rebuilt and the former ribbon-barrier transit road atmosphere was gone.
• Between Parliament and Chain Bridge BKK is planned to create a double fascia, with a speed limit of 30 km/h for cars at today's average speed, to make traffic safer and reduce noise pollution, while maintaining the conditions for car traffic on this stretch.
• The BKK would also provide dedicated cycle lanes, new access ramps and zebra crossings to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists. The design will create a multifunctional space that will serve motor traffic during the week, but also provide a venue for community activities on weekends and holidays.

The area under the Elisabeth Bridge: the stairs can be put back

• The square is planned to be entirely pedestrianised, with BKK planting trees and creating a double staircase where the current roadway is. Car traffic will access the Petőfi Square slip road and will reach the upper Pesti quay.
• In designing the pedestrian space, the transport planner would pay great attention to making the public space friendly and safe, and bringing the Danube as close as possible to the people. The stairways would not only enhance the recreation along the Danube, but would also add to the aesthetic value of the public space and represent a return to the original design of this part of the quay.

For information on the licensing plans for the sections of the quay that are directly affected and other sections, see here .