Another development project has been launched in Szederkény. A press conference and a ceremonial project launch event marked the start of yet another comprehensive development project in the town of Szederkény.
The Local Government of Szederkény and the Baranya County Government Office, acting as a consortium, have been awarded a non-repayable European Union grant of 239.52 million forints under the call for proposals numbered TOP_PLUSZ-1.2.1-21-BA1, “Liveable Settlements” call for proposals under the Regional and Settlement Development Operational Program Plus. The goal of the development is to create a town center for the residents of Szederkény that offers recreation for all age groups, is developed in accordance with the needs of the population, and contributes to retaining the population locally.
At the press conference, László Őri, president of the Baranya County Council, and Mayor Balázs Maml emphasized that Szederkény has taken another important step toward helping young families thrive locally as a continuation of the previously initiated, planned, and consistent community development, thereby supporting all age groups in finding suitable ways to spend their free time. This is made possible, among other things, by the already completed bike path and playground, as well as the investments to be implemented as part of the newly launched project, which will meet the needs of multiple age groups.
The application submitted by the Local Government of Szederkény, titled “Szederkény on the Move: Sports and Recreation for All Ages,” was approved on April 4, 2022.
The overall objective of the project is to implement an infrastructure development in Szederkény that will improve the town’s general environmental conditions and support the development of its townscape and urban structure in a way that better serves its residents. The future operation of Szederkény’s town center was defined with consideration for environmental and nature conservation aspects, as well as efforts to retain the local population, thereby promoting sustainable development.
The goal of the project is to create a town center for the residents of Szederkény that offers recreational opportunities for people of all ages. This project will be implemented at three locations: the development of Sica Park, located in the town center; the creation of a Youth Center through the renovation of the former movie theater building; and the creation of a sports park in the new family housing area.
The technical scope of the project is structured as follows:
- Location: Sica Park. The development of the green space to be created in the town center has already begun with the tree-planting program, but its final completion will be achieved through this project. The development of the park will create a community space in the town center that will improve the town’s image and structure, as well as provide residents with opportunities for outdoor community life.
- Location: Youth Center. By establishing the Youth Center, the municipality is further strengthening the cohesion of the emerging youth community. Currently, the Youth Club does not have its own building, so the conversion of the old movie theater building provides an excellent venue for the organization. During the renovation of the building, its interior will be remodeled and its energy systems will be modernized.
- Location: Bringapark. The sports park planned for the new single-family residential area will serve multiple purposes. On the one hand, it will be a facility offering young residents the opportunity to practice currently very popular extreme sports (e.g., BMX, skateboarding, rollerblading); on the other hand, it will feature an artificial turf soccer field.
The development initiatives presented here promote social cohesion, improve the health, economic and social well-being, and quality of life of the town’s residents, and create a livable environment where people are happy to return home and spend their free time. The development of the town’s green network system, including the maintenance and preservation of public spaces, has been systematic and ongoing to date.
The implementation of the activities planned under the project will help preserve local identity and improve the quality of life for the community’s residents. These are important factors in retaining young people and curbing the tendency to migrate. The project contributes to social well-being by making the community more attractive and livable.
- The project’s target group consists primarily of the town’s residents.
- The parks and the Youth Center will be accessible to people with disabilities.
- The project is being implemented as part of the Széchenyi Plan Plus program.
For more information about the project, please visit www.szederkeny.hu.
