Strategic context
Overview
The Magdolna neighbourhood is close to the city centre, in the heart of 8th district of Budapest – called Józsefváros. The concentration of disadvantaged people was constantly increasing during last few decades. The definition of socially sensitive regeneration in the Magdolna neighbourhood called Magdolna Neighbourhood Programme (MNP) was introduced by the District Development Strategy in 2004. Three phases of MNP have been implemented so far. The socially sensitive regeneration was introduced on city level funded by the district and city municipalities in the framework of the Budapest Rehabilitation Fund with two pilot projects among them the first phase of MNP in 2005-2008. The second was completed between 2008 and 2011 as well as the third which was realised between 2013 and 2015 supported by the ERDF. However these three phases are only the first period of a longterm development strategy for the neighbourhood, which is likely to take 15 years.
The MNP is Hungary’s first truly integrated socially sensitive
Housing
Public Spaces
The 30 per cent (=28 buildings) of municipally owned housing stock is involved in refurbishment activities in the neighbourhood. The proportion of substandard social rental flats has been reduced from 50% to lower than 10%. The maintenance costs – included the rent as well as public utilities – of housing units did not increase after the renovation. The living conditions were improved considered 750 families (e.g. toilettes inside, green courtyards, CCTV, isolation). One hundred families have participated in the reconstruction work directly. The rental buildings are occupied by the same families as before. The residents pay more attention for operation of renovated buildings. It can be highlighted that new NGOs were established in order to represent the interest of tenants. Additionally 20 semi-private condominiums including 570 apartments were renovated at the same time in the neighbourhood.
Green areas as well as the connecting streets were reconstructed during the three phases of MNP. Several new functions (e.g. sport, social, cultural and leisure facilities) were elaborated in public spaces consequently the using of these open areas would be changed significantly. Most of the streets become humanised and safer open spaces. The proportion of green surfaces has also increased. The public involvement process has included more than 10 local meetings as well as community actions (e.g. community planting, making public furniture, painting buildings, establishing open-air stage). The locals pay more attention for operation of new green spaces (e.g. maintenance, using, public safety). A non-governmental organisation was established by locals called Association for Teleki Square in order to participate in the square’s management and future improvements after the reconstruction.
urban regeneration programme initiated by the Municipality of 8th District. Magdolna neighbourhood is one of the most deprived areas in Budapest, it aimed to strengthen local society as well as improving housing and living conditions. The areabased integrated approach as well as instruments for public participation was put in practice in the framework of MNP. The project addresses not only the traditional renovation of old
MAGDOLNA NEIGHBOURHOOD PROGRAM 2005-2015
housing stock but also the crucial social problems as well. The project combines a number of physical and social interventions in order to tackle the complex problems of the quarter. MNP includes several sub-programmes focusing on refurbishment of
BUDAPEST-JÓZSEFVÁROS
municipal owned housing stock and semi-private condominiums, renewal of public spaces, implementation of crime prevention actions, set up social as well as employment programmes, realisation of community building and cultural programmes.
www.jozsefvaros.hu www.rev8.hu, www.jcsgyk.hu www.kisfalu.hu, www.jvkh.hu