Metropolitan council invites bids to refurbish City Hall Park

The renovation works are expected to begin in 2023, Karacsony told a press conference, noting that giving this space in the 5th district back to the public had been one of his campaign promises.

Deputy Mayor Gabor Kerpel-Fronius said the winning bid will be announced in April, adding that the city council had allocated 12 million forints (EUR 33,400) for the project.

Meanwhile, Karacsony said the Budapest city council envisioned an “open City Hall” and wanted use the building for cultural and public purposes.

Also, the rear facade of City Hall in Gerloczy street is undergoing renovation, the mayor said, noting that this section of the building was slated to house the Budapest Gallery in the future.

The metropolitan council is committed to its ownership of the City Hall building, Karacsony said. “Budapest residents will have a chance to get much closer to City Hall this cycle,” he said.

Asked about press reports that the metropolitan council was planning to sell the City Hall building, Karacsony said the city council had signed no such agreement with anyone and noted that he had filed a police report regarding the matter.