The value of a building is determined by who it is built for – MolnárBeton also applies its construction expertise to community development projects

When we think of corporate social responsibility in the construction industry, we often think of grants, donations or the odd sponsorship deal. Yet a construction company has a far more obvious tool at its disposal: the act of building itself.

A modern community centre, a refurbished school or a safe maternity home can serve those who use them for many decades. This is precisely why an increasing number of businesses view construction expertise as an asset that is worth harnessing for the benefit of society.

Several projects undertaken in recent years by the construction divisions of MolnárBeton and MB Ingatlan are based on this approach. The same philosophy is evident in the ongoing ÁGOTA Falvi development, the creation of a maternity home in Budapest, the ongoing renovation of a grammar school and the construction of a large-scale community playground:

They are thinking not in terms of one-off assistance, but in terms of lasting value.

In all cases, the company carries out its projects using its own resources, without resorting to external funding.

The latest project: a community centre in the village of ÁGOTA

Contractors are currently working at ÁGOTA Village, the ÁGOTA Foundation’s children’s centre in Tass-Alsószenttamás, Bács-Kiskun County.

ÁGOTA Falva is a Youth, Leisure, Cultural, Educational and Spiritual Centre that is unique in the country, established to support children and young people who have been removed from their families and are in the care of child protection services. The complex provides a venue all year round for camps, community programmes, developmental activities and training courses, and can accommodate around 1,300 residential participants at any one time. Its aim is to create a safe, inspiring environment where children from disadvantaged backgrounds can enjoy community experiences, develop their potential and spend time in a supportive atmosphere that helps to strengthen their self-confidence, skills and vision for the future.

As part of the current development project, a library and activity centre are being built for children in state care.

The state-of-the-art building will not only serve as a community space, but will also provide facilities for developmental activities; in addition, staff rooms and accommodation will be provided for professionals working with children. The project will be funded entirely from the organisation’s own resources.

„We know how to build. If we want to help, we need to take this expertise to where it is truly needed” – says György Molnár, founder and owner.

The same technical solutions are being used in the construction as in the company’s other commercial developments. The project is characterised by state-of-the-art mechanical engineering, modern building automation and high quality standards. The aim is simple:

Even in the case of a building intended for social purposes, they do not wish to provide any less than what they consider standard for any of their other projects.

A mother’s home, which marks a new beginning

This is not the first project in which construction expertise has been put to use for a social cause. A few years ago in Budapest, on Gergely Street in the 10th district, the complete renovation of a dilapidated building resulted in the creation of a mother-and-child home, which is now run by the Várva Várt Foundation.

The organisation provides safe accommodation for pregnant women and mothers with young children who are in crisis situations, whilst also offering them professional support and mentoring.

Community spaces also create value

A similar philosophy underlies the renovation work that has been ongoing for several years at the Balassi Bálint Grammar School in Budapest’s 17th district. The school’s communal areas are being refurbished in stages, year on year. State-of-the-art flooring, new insulation and refurbished interiors are bringing a more modern feel to everyday life at the school.

The same approach is evident in the Furmint Lakópark in March this year, which is not simply a collection of play equipment but a complex community space that has become one of the neighbourhood’s new meeting places.

Construction as a form of long-term support

According to György Molnár, these investments are not isolated initiatives, but form part of a deliberate approach. As a next step, they plan to

In their future housing estate developments, they will offer one flat or detached house each year to foster parents who are raising children in state care.

Once again, the aim is not to provide one-off support, but to create circumstances that can offer a family long-term security.

Performance in the construction industry is usually measured in cubic metres of concrete or steel, or in square metres of completed floor space. However, these projects also serve as a reminder that a well-designed and carefully constructed building transcends its physical reality. This is particularly true when the project is realised using the company’s own resources, without external support, thereby creating community value that can serve those who live there for decades to come.