Budapest’s City Hall Park project has received its heritage protection permit from the Budapest government office, clearing the final regulatory hurdle before detailed construction planning can begin, Mayor Gergely Karácsony announced on Facebook.
Karácsony said the approval concludes a lengthy permitting process and allows the project to move into the implementation planning stage. He added that the development will replace a long-standing government parking area in central Budapest with a new public park.
The mayor noted that construction will not begin immediately, as the project incorporates a range of modern urban planning and environmental solutions designed to improve long-term sustainability.
The park will be built using a ‘sponge city’ concept aimed at increasing climate resilience. Plans include 7,730 square metres of green space, 6,966 square metres of rainwater-retaining pavement and 850 square metres of permeable surfaces to improve water management and help the park remain sustainable as temperatures rise. Around 80 trees will also be planted using the Stockholm tree-planting method.
The project also includes the Open City Hall concept, which will transform the ground floor of Budapest City Hall into an accessible public space. Plans call for opening up the building, renovating the historic Ratskeller beneath the ceremonial hall and creating cafés, terraces and other hospitality venues.
Karácsony said the development is intended to create more than a public park, describing it as a future central public square for the city.
The mayor recalled that creating the park was one of his first campaign pledges seven years ago. He said progress had been slowed by the lengthy planning, consultation, procurement and permitting processes, as well as financial disputes between the city administration and the previous national government. Before work on the park could begin, the deteriorated facade of City Hall and the long-closed Merlin cultural venue also had to be renovated, he added.
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