After decades, all authorizations and plans are completed to start working on the renewal of Széll Kálmán (previously Moszkva) Square. Why this may be important for us – for you – is that this is the place in which you pass through, when you’re going to the Buda Castle, the Buda hills, to use the Children’s Railway, or even just have something to do on Buda-side.

The condition of one of the busiest squares in Budapest has highly degraded in recent years/decades. The plan is to make this symbolic public space of inner-Buda a better place, and finally not to be a memento of the urban planning of ’70-’80’s and show the neglected state of the ’90’s.

As the result of the works, a new-look, high service quality space will be created, that is much more usable than the current, and meant to strengthen the role of the community-, pedestrian- and bicycle traffic in the region.

To achieve this, as part of this project:

- BKK creates accessible connections to all directions and builds elevators and escalators toward the bus stops of Várfok Street.

- They promise: bus stations and tram stops will be formed prioritizing the Passengers’ aspects.

- They make the square comfortably and safely permeable in all directions for cyclists. Also new BuBi stations will be installed.

- Constructors will eliminate the unsettled stalls, unify the space’s architectural image, and increase the proportion of green space.

- A part of the plan is to create the opportunity for a new cogwheel station on Széll Kálmán Square.

- They will rebuild the entrance building of the M2 subway.

- Covered platform roofs will be built in the tram stop.

- They establish a new BKK customer centre in the middle of the square.

Watch this visual design video to see what they mean:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0BHUau4uuE

The works will start in a few days with minor demolitions, and large-scale construction works will begin in next February in this area. Then lane restrictionswill enter into force: Metro Line M2 won’t be available at the square, and at spring 2015 tram 4-6 will have a 3 months tramway track closure related to this renewal. This latter is also aligned with the construction of “Buda interwoven tram network”, which is also being implemented. One of Buda’s busiest areas is expected to renew for the spring of 2016.

photos:www.bkk.hu