The Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County Council has embarked on a major renovation of one of Miskolc’s most significant historic landmarks, the neoclassical county hall on Városház Square, thanks to European Union funding. The project, carried out by the construction company TÖMB 2002 Kft., is valued at nearly one billion forints and will last 570 calendar days – around a year and a half.
The Miskolc county hall is widely regarded as one of the city’s finest neoclassical architectural monuments. Its origins date back to the early 19th century, when it was built on the site of a former baroque structure. Construction began in the 1820s, but the façade was not completed until the 1840s, making it a project that spanned decades. Unusually for a neoclassical building, the design omits a tympanum – a defining element of the style – instead relying on Ionic columns and wrought-iron balcony railings to provide its distinctive character.
Over the course of its history, the building has endured misfortune. In June 1843, it was badly damaged by fire, prompting local officials to seek advice from József Hild, one of the country’s most renowned architects of the era. Even then, the interior spaces divided opinion; the main hall was considered practically unusable due to serious acoustic flaws.
The artistic value of the building is further enhanced by the allegorical murals of Dezső Raksányi, a painter associated with the celebrated Benczúr school. Through the 20th century, the structure underwent a series of renovations and extensions, notably during the 1940s and 1960s. Now, once again, it is set for a major transformation – though one that seeks to preserve its historic identity.
The restoration is particularly complex, as the building lies in a protected heritage zone and on an archaeological site. The works will cover more than 4,200 square metres of façade and involve the painstaking restoration of 670 square metres of limestone cladding at ground level. Among the 224 exterior windows and doors, 12 are classified as heritage pieces and will be restored by specialist wood conservators.
At the same time, the building will be modernised to meet 21st-century standards. A new heat pump system will provide both heating and cooling, while the entire electrical network – including both high- and low-voltage systems – will be replaced throughout the 4,400 square metre complex. New fire alarm, CCTV, and access control systems will raise safety levels. Inside, around 15,000 square metres of wall surface will be repainted, and the basement will be given damp-proofing treatment. Accessibility is also a priority: a new lift will ensure that visitors with limited mobility can reach every floor.
The contractual terms for the project, signed on 12 August 2025, underline the scale of responsibility on the contractor. The total value of the contract is 959,750,000 forints, of which 87,250,000 is earmarked as a reserve fund. Strict penalties apply: for each day of delay, the contractor must pay 0.5% of the agreed sum, and in the event of non-completion, a 20% forfeiture fee will be imposed. To guarantee delivery, the company is required to provide both performance and warranty bonds, as well as a range of insurance policies, including liability and construction cover.
The renovation is funded through the Territorial and Settlement Development Operational Programme Plus (TOP Plus). The overarching aim is to reduce energy use and operating costs while safeguarding the building’s historical and architectural values. Energy efficiency improvements are expected to cut carbon emissions significantly, aligning with Hungary’s climate commitments.
The county hall project forms part of a larger coordinated programme, which also includes the renovation of two further properties: the building at Csabai Road 37, home to the North Hungarian Regional Development Agency, and the property at Aradi Street 4, which houses a community club and cultural, sporting and recreational facilities.
By early 2027, the transformation is set to be complete. One of Miskolc’s most beautiful historic buildings will not only have been restored to its former grandeur but will also be equipped to function as a modern public institution – a renewal made possible by EU funds.
(Source: borsod24.hu)
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
