The Avas lookout, a spectacular symbol of Miskolc, has been renovated

The renovation of the Avas lookout tower was completed according to the plans of József Viszlai, Ybl Miklós Award-winning architect and former chief architect of the city of Miskolc, and in the design of Épkar Zrt., which we reported on several times during construction. The project was officially handed over on Saturday, 16 December.

Built in 1963 and originally designed by Miklós Hofer and György Vörös, the 72-metre-high monolithic reinforced concrete lookout tower is a symbol of the city, so the works were also symbolic for the people of Miskolc.

As we have previously reported we wrote earlier, the investment included, among other things

• structural reinforcement of the building,
• replacement of the entire building services,
• removing the antennas from the structure,
• replacement of the horizontal cladding,
• repair of the walls,
• and reinforcement of the stairs.

In addition, the renovation of the café at the lookout was also part of the project.

The new cultural centre of the city

The lookout post has also been given a clean, bright cover, making it even more recognisable to those living in and approaching the city. The ground floor of the facility and the new lighting system will make it particularly suitable for outdoor events and even receptions.

Thanks to the comprehensive development programme, the symbol of Miskolc will not only offer its new lookout, but also several renewed sites in its surroundings, including:

• with a walkway directly under the tower;
• the reconstructed Győri Nagy Lajos staircase and Toronyalja street;
• and new paving, street furniture and street lamp posts.

The compass of Miskolc for six decades

Pál Veres, Mayor of Miskolc began his speech by stressing that the lookout has been a symbol, a compass that shows the people of Miskolc that they have arrived home for 60 years. "When you arrive from Budapest and see its silhouette in the distance for the first time, your heart leaps, because Miskolc is already close", he said.

He added that the lookout was renovated as part of a package of projects, the result of 7-8 years of work. He stressed that its realisation is a cross-cycle project, thanks to all those involved in the idea, the design, the tender and the construction, as well as to all the people of Miskolc.

The lookout deserves love and it deserves to be renewed," he said, and concluded his speech by pointing out that the new decorative lighting will be switched on in a ceremony on the evening of the inauguration.

The event was attended by several employees of Épkar Zrt., the company was officially represented by Kolozsvári Zoltán Regional Director.

They sent a message to posterity with a time capsule

At the end of the inauguration, Linda Hangóné Birtalan, a Reformed pastor, blessed the lookout, and then a symbolic step was taken on the square in front of it, which was also renewed.The public square has been named after Miklós Hofer since 16 December, so the mayor, together with the famous architect's daughters, Orsolya and Zsófia Hofer, placed the new street name sign.

Participants also placed a time capsule of symbolic value at the lookout, sending a message that the year 2023 will be another 60 years away: the capsule is scheduled to open in 2083.