Two of Budapest’s busiest public spaces set for major transformation – visuals

Two of Budapest’s most important public spaces are set to undergo significant redevelopment, as city and district leaders launch comprehensive renewal works aimed at creating greener, safer and more liveable urban environments.

The projects will transform both the central Madách Square area and the major transport hub Örs vezér Square, which serves tens of thousands of commuters every day.

Madách Square: A greener and more accessible city centre

Works have officially begun on the full-scale renewal of the Madách Imre Road section between Rumbach Sebestyén Street and Asbóth Street, in the heart of Erzsébetváros, according to Építészfórum.

The reconstruction is designed to create a more unified and accessible streetscape, where the roadway and pavements will be brought to the same level. This “levelled surface” concept aims to improve accessibility and pedestrian safety while modernising the overall appearance of the area.

As part of the redevelopment:

• The junction of Madách Imre Road and Rumbach Sebestyén Street will be fully rebuilt to improve accessibility
• 15 new trees will be planted
• Green surfaces will expand by around 160 square metres
• Existing container trees will be relocated within the district
• New paving will be installed across the entire section

The works are being carried out in two phases and are expected to be completed within approximately 120 days.

Örs vezér Square: Reimagining a key transport hub

At the same time, major plans are progressing for the redevelopment of Örs vezér Square, one of Budapest’s busiest transport and commercial interchanges, located in Zugló, district mayor András Rózsa shared in a Facebook post.

According to district leadership, the aim is to create a more organised, safer and more navigable public space that better serves daily flows of commuters and shoppers.

However, the project faces structural constraints due to extensive underground utility networks beneath the square, which significantly shape what can be built above ground.

Despite this, the redesign is expected to deliver a clearer and more user-friendly urban environment.

Improved connectivity, cycling routes and public spaces

The transformation of Örs vezér Square will focus strongly on improving movement and accessibility between key destinations, including HÉV services, BKK public transport stops, the Sugár shopping centre and IKEA.

Key planned changes include:

• Removal of the pavilion row next to the Sugár centre, opening up the space
• Clearer pedestrian routes and improved transport connections
• Continuous cycling infrastructure, removing current interruptions
• A redesigned surface system to guide pedestrian movement more intuitively

A new drinking fountain will be installed in the central area, designed as both a meeting point and a potential future site for public art.

New amenities and safer public environment

The plans also include several new public amenities:

• A permanent public safety point will remain in place
• Fixed seating areas will be introduced
• A new public toilet will be built at one end of the square

The redevelopment is expected to be implemented in phases, with visible changes already anticipated by this summer and further improvements rolling out gradually thereafter.

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