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Revamp plan turns Komárom town centre into cultural hotspot

  • 01 February 2016

An urban renewal project in Komárom, Hungary, unites the town through joining two main squares and creating more accessible buildings. 

Through the project, Szabadság Square and Jókai Square were connected and reconstructed to be more appealing. Green spaces, outdoor furniture, and energy efficient public lighting were added to encourage citizens to come together in the squares and enjoy more time outside. 

The goal of the project was to create a more integrated town centre that could serve as a meeting place and a venue for cultural events. The squares are joined together by Arany János Street and Mártírok Street, which were both reconstructed to help with the merging. Part of this reconstruction included updating the shops on Mártirok Street, which will encourage people to spend time in the area and will drive business for shop owners. 

Obsolete sewage and water lines throughout the squares were also replaced, creating a better functioning and more appealing atmosphere. 

Building updates 

As part of the project, the Petofi Sándor School and the Jókai Cinema were reconstructed. The aim was to create a new, economically competitive cinema in the area. The updated building includes wheelchair-accessible washrooms, a new cloak room, new changing rooms for actors, and a new buffet. From a practical side, the building engineering system was refurbished, and a new fire protection network and engineering system were installed. 

The Petofi Sándor Elementary School saw infrastructure developments, including an updated assembly room, a new entry and reception area, updated passages and storage rooms, new furniture, and the installation of new plumbing and a lift. The main entrance of the school was relocated to Szabadság Square, adding to the new sense of community in the area. 

Also updated was building number 17 on Arany János Street, a former office building now transformed into a multifunctional community facility. The building will be used for civil society organisations and community service projects. 

Total Investment and EU Funding

Total investment for the project “Function Extension Urban Rehabilitation of the Town Centre of Komárom” is HUF 1 138 090 094 (approximately EUR 3 604 944), of which the EU’s European Regional Development Fund is contributing HUF 714 578 208 (approximately EUR 2 262 984) from the Operational Programme “Central Transdanubia” for the 2007 to 2013 programming period, under the priority axis “Sustainable urban development”.