The Szinva stream could be brought to the surface in Miskolc’s main square, from Erzsébet Square to Bartók Square

The redevelopment of Miskolc’s city centre has been a recurring issue for decades. The results of the 2008 ideas competition can now finally be utilised by planners – adapted to meet today’s expectations – as the city council has launched a project to regenerate the city’s central square under the title „Complex Development of Miskolc Main Square”. As part of the project, Szent István Square is to be revitalised through a comprehensive development programme; a designer is being sought for this through a public competition.

The aim is to develop the space into a family- and climate-friendly urban agora that meets today’s expectations for such spaces, and into a genuine community space.

A pedestrian-friendly, varied and attractive space will be created

Ensuring core functions – alongside the development of community event venues and pedestrian facilities, the tender focuses on public space improvements that enhance quality of life. The aim is to improve the city centre by making it more pleasant to walk around and more varied, thereby making it more attractive.

The affected public areas cover 3,000 m², where space must be found for new functions; whilst a key objective is the development of the Szinva and the creation of water-based experience elements and attractions.

Bringing water bodies to the surface serves to reduce the heat island effect and support the transition to a climate-neutral city through the development of green and blue infrastructure, and by preserving and increasing biologically active surfaces by at least 102 m².

The living vegetation must be preserved

The winner will have 195 days to draw up the plans; applications are open until 23 July. As the project is currently in the development phase, the quantities set out in the Design Programme, which forms an annex to the call for tenders, are indicative only. As much green space as possible should be created; however, in addition to the transport zones, a paved area suitable for hosting major urban events must also be provided.

The aim is to extend Szinva Street as far as possible, from Erzsébet Square all the way to Bartók Square, or as far as technical conditions allow.

The creation of a larger body of water should also be considered. The condition of the riverbank must be assessed, and plans for its reinforcement drawn up if necessary. The task is to create a stepped descent from street level down to the water’s edge along the banks of the Szinva as far as possible, whilst taking into account the preservation of existing vegetation. During the design process, priority must be given to the protection, preservation and enhancement of the local ecosystem, as well as to timber protection in accordance with relevant standards. A fundamental design principle is that the extent of the biologically active surface area within the site must not be reduced under any circumstances.