The Budapest 2030 Long-Term Urban Development Concept (adopted by the General Assembly in April 2013) is a comprehensive planning document that envisages the capital city’s long-term development, taking into account its urban characteristics.
The Urban Development Concept consists of three main parts. Firstly, it summarises the results of comprehensive reviews and studies made about the capital in recent years categorised according to particular fields, which presents a kind of status report of the City. These provide the framework for the Concept. Secondly, it defines the general principles which must be enforced in all ensuing plans and decisions. The three principles of the approach are liveability, sustainability and equal opportunities. Thirdly, it outlines the main directions of the period until 2030 through 17 goals linked to particular fields, which include complex tasks and means affecting several areas. A sustainable city enables the rational use of available resources through a compact and mixed-use urban structure that gives priority to public transport, walking and cycling. Emphasising the need to treat individual, urban structural, and cityscape values as resources, the document advocates for an integrated approach to the management, rehabilitation, and development of the city’s heritage.
It underscores the importance of sustainable use of existing assets, healthier urban environments, and reducing social inequalities. The plan also highlights the significance of environment-friendly transport, smart urban management, and community-driven initiatives. The concept stresses the need for architectural culture development and environmental education to promote contemporary architectural and urban values. It advocates for the preservation of the city’s individual character and history. The document also addresses the role of property owners, local authorities, and the state in preserving and treating the built and natural heritage as resources, offering a detailed understanding of Budapest’s heritage and its integration into contemporary urban planning and development.
The Urban Development Concept is a guidance document which aims to lay the foundation for medium and short-term detailed development programmes that will attribute specific measures and processes to the objectives to be achieved.
