Constructive – Is Budapest party district set to undergo robust changes?

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