Budapest has completed the permit plans for renewing the Nagykörút, the Grand Boulevard of Pest, between Nyugati tér and Boráros tér, and has published the detailed technical drawings. The plans aim to turn one of the city’s busiest and best-known public spaces into a greener, more liveable, step-free and safer urban axis. The project is one of the municipality’s flagship urban development programmes.

Trees and rainwater

No tree will be felled for construction reasons, and replacements will be made only because of a tree’s health. For each tree replaced, at least three will be planted: one in its original place and the others elsewhere on the boulevard. New tree positions may be created on stretches that currently have no tree rows. Species chosen with the expected effects of climate change in mind may appear on the boulevard. Sponge-city principles will allow rainwater to be kept and used on site, which helps vegetation and reduces the urban heat island effect.

Pavements, crossings and cycle lanes

Step-free crossings and junctions are planned to make movement easier for older people, people with small children and people with reduced mobility. At several points, side streets may connect to the pavements with raised crossings. Physically protected cycle lanes will be built. The city describes the Nagykörút as one of the most important parts of the Budapest cycle network. The aim is for cycling to be safe and attractive for less experienced riders and older people as well. New street furniture, better organised loading and parking, and measures supporting local businesses are also included.

The boulevard in figures

  • about 700 trees make up its tree rows
  • more than 200,000 people use the boulevard tram every day
  • there are more than 600 shop units, of which every tenth stands empty

Background and next steps

Preparation was based on broad public consultation, professional workshops and the views of nearly ten thousand Budapest residents. Planning for the boulevard began in 2020. Three proposal packages with different budgets were drawn up so that the renewal can be carried out in phases. Earlier steps include new step-free surface zebra crossings at Blaha Lujza tér and Nyugati tér, and the Pest side has become cyclable along its full length. A later unified renewal of the whole boulevard may follow in a two-stage schedule. The permit plans form the basis for the further preparation, financing and permitting processes; the announcement does not give a construction start date.