It has great potential, yet it feels unwelcoming: more greenery would make Boráros Square a more liveable place

Boráros Square – formerly known as Fa Square – a busy transport hub in the ninth district, has certainly seen more trees than wine in the past. (Unless we count the consumption of alcohol in public spaces.)

The history of Boráros Square is, in fact, closely intertwined with its proximity to the Danube and the area’s commercial past. The timber merchants and timber yards operating in the area played a decisive role in the development of the area. It was named in 1875 after János Boráros, who served as chief judge and then deputy mayor in the Pest city administration during the first decades of the 19th century.

But back to the present: the square’s green spaces, totalling 673 square metres, may be refurbished or expanded in accordance with the call for tenders published on the Electronic Public Procurement System. The procedure launched by BKM Budapesti Közművek Nonprofit Zrt. relates to the greening of Boráros Square, which this picturesque public space on the banks of the Danube certainly deserves.

This development will ensure that the area, which handles significant pedestrian and public transport traffic, does not merely serve as a transit point – which people currently wish to get through as quickly as possible – but instead becomes a more pleasant place for passers-by, with a more welcoming atmosphere thanks to a shadier environment.

The public procurement procedure is conditional, meaning that the contract may only come into force once the amendment to the implementation agreement relating to the project has been signed by the Budapest Municipal Council and BKM. The deadline for submitting tenders is 19 November 2026.

More than 670 square metres of green space could be revitalised

One key element of the project is the expansion of existing green spaces. To this end, the double row of large basalt cobblestones bordering the green areas will be broken up in places, and part of the tarmac surface will be removed. As a result, 220 square metres of new green space will be created.

As part of the overall development, a total of 673 square metres of green space will be created or refurbished. The expansion of the plant population will take place in several phases. The plans include the planting of seven new trees, one of which will be planted in a paved bed fitted with a wooden trellis. In addition, 67 shrubs and ground-cover plants, more than 2,100 perennials and 442 bulbous plants will be planted.

To maintain the new green spaces, an automatic irrigation system is being installed to cover an area of approximately 430 square metres requiring irrigation, with a twin meter to be fitted for the water supply. The contractor must also carry out maintenance work for a period of two years following handover.

New seating for weary passers-by

The development is not solely about increasing the amount of greenery. Some of the existing seating areas will be removed, and in their place, new seating areas will be created along the remaining or remodelled basalt stone kerbs. In addition, four benches mounted on retaining walls will be installed.

As part of the works, 258 square metres of asphalt pavement will be removed and then resurfaced, and a bus shelter will also be relocated.

A space never seen before(?)

Despite its name, wine has never actually been sold on the square – yet this urban legend persists in the public consciousness. As a playful reference to this, Imre Varga’s ironic sculpture group, *The Wine Merchant*, was unveiled in 1983 in the open section of the pedestrian underpass.

The square’s current appearance took shape following its handover on 8 June 1981. The redevelopment took place following the reconstruction of the Petőfi Bridge between 1979 and 1980. Since then, Boráros Square has become one of the capital’s key transport hubs, where trams, buses, the HÉV and pedestrian traffic from the surrounding neighbourhoods all converge.

The latest news is that preparations for the complete refurbishment of the Petőfi Bridge are once again on the agenda. The design tender has been concluded, and the work will be carried out by SPECIÁLTERV Kft.. The future refurbishment of the bridge is therefore a topical development from the perspective of Boráros Square as well.