The council of the capital’s 7th district is gearing up for significant changes aimed at improving and revitalising the Budapest party district. Alongside urban development initiatives and the expansion of green spaces, there are plans to enhance cleanliness and safety in the neighbourhood.
Péter Niedermüller, the district’s mayor, shared insights into the future plans with Népszava. He stressed the importance of a long-term approach to improving the district’s reputation, emphasising the need for collaboration with establishment owners.
“The issue is very complex, so the solution cannot be a single well-directed strike. Instead of escalating conflicts, we should strive for compromise,”
– Niedermüller highlighted.
Parties, properties and public spaces: Addressing multiple challenges
A major challenge facing the 7th district lies in housing and property ownership. Municipal rental apartments were sold at significant discounts in previous cycles, leading to numerous investors purchasing properties to rent out, often as short-term accommodations like Airbnbs.
Due to mass tourism, the district became exposed to a swarm of partygoers, which frequently caused conflicts with local residents. This is also evidenced by the census data: between 2001 and 2022, the number of empty apartments soared from 4.5 thousand to 10.8 thousand in the area, and the population of the district decreased to three-quarters of its previous figure.
The situation was further exacerbated by the fact that prior to 2019, no regulations bound the entertainment venues of the Budapest party district. The representative body addressed this by implementing measures to regulate opening hours, waste management and public cleanliness.
The future of the Budapest party district: Advancements and Compromises
Looking ahead, the district mayor envisions creating an inviting environment for cultural and design firms, start-ups and alternative theatre and music venues, thereby attracting unique businesses that add value to the district. To achieve this, several cultural tenders have been announced, and support for cultural programmes is being provided.
Another crucial objective is to continue expanding green spaces and renovating neglected buildings in the district, refreshing its image. Consequently, renovations of Kéthly Anna Square and a section of Klauzál Square will be completed during the spring-summer period, alongside the restoration of several buildings on Csányi Street and Király Street.
The municipality has implemented various road restrictions to alleviate traffic congestion in the Budapest party district. The mayor notes that, over time, locals have grown accustomed to and even embraced these changes. However, there are currently no plans to introduce similar restrictions on other streets.
Nevertheless, Niedermüller expressed a desire to prohibit large SUVs from narrow downtown streets in the Budapest party district, as they often block the path of the trolley, even when parked legally. However, this is a measure that representatives are legally unable to enforce.
Concerning the nightlife in the Budapest party district, the mayor stated that there are no intentions to impose further regulatory constraints.
“I cannot set up a barrier on Károly Boulevard, nor can I implement an entrance fee like it’s done in Venice. Furthermore, I cannot decree a ban on pub crawlers visiting the district. However, we will start the next municipal cycle with a fresh concept to propel the party district.”
Efforts are underway to collaborate with caterers, such as establishing an association that mandates every restaurant planning to operate after midnight to join. Within this framework, entertainment venues have committed to enhancing cleanliness in larger public areas at their own expense, and have deployed their personnel to patrol the streets alongside district police officers.
Another novel initiative in the Budapest party district involves establishing a “quick response team” that the public can contact if they encounter any issues while out and about. This team will promptly address reported problems, such as overturned trash cans or individuals feeling unwell.
Additionally, the district sought assistance from the police to address its taxi situation, promising improvements for the future in this regard.
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Source: Népszava
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4 Comments
“Robust Changes” – if Dialogue, to bring about, implement, the “planned” introduction of these “Robust Changes” in the Party District – District V11 of Budapest, if DIALOGUE has not been EXHAUSTED with ALL participants / Stakeholders – that includes those who LIVE, in District V11 – these ROBUST Changes will just be an on-going Calamitous MESS.
Image change can HAPPEN – if ALL players have been able or PERMITTED to have IN-PUT into the expressed robust changes tat are planned for District V11.
It is HOPED that there has been and if it has it CONTINUES that a CORE ingredient of DEMOCRACY that is DIALOGUE grows in it’s practice and that District V11, becomes a “living” example in being witnessed recognized – that through the “Fruits” of Democracy, what can be ACHEIVED through Dialogue.
One of the big issues in 7 is AirBNB and others who rent out apartments located among those that live there. You can go look at apartments in 7 and buy one thinking it is a nice building. Then you move there and find out that there are 10 AIrBNB in the building so there are tourists coming at all hours on every floor. This is a huge issue and has made 7 toxic for those that want to live in Budapest, not but to rent out.
i live near gozsdu. in summer nights i see 4-5 passed out people lying on the road, all few meters away from each other. prostitues daily walk to me on the streets and offer sex. every 5 minutes drug dealers approach asking if i want cocaine or marijuana. the landlord wants to double my rent because he says its better for him to run an airbnb. on my floor from 10 apartments 8 is for airbnb. homeless people take drugs and sleep on the stairs inside the building. grocery stores/restaurants have doubled the price for tourists. the car congestion is terrible. lot of work and regulation to be done in the disctrict.
Make long-term rental the more favourable venture for property owners, and tighten regulation of short-term rentals.