Total Renovation of the National Casino in Pécs Starts

The following is a translation of a press release kindly provided to us by the Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC).

Following lengthy and thorough preparatory work and the completion of all legal procedures under regulations, the complete renovation of Pécs’s historic building, the National Casino—known to many as the Armed Forces Club—and the creation of a new talent development centre are currently starting.

The contractor has taken over the construction site and, in compliance with the necessary safety measures, has begun work after informing the residents of Pécs. The investment project, which is now underway, is one of the largest and most significant developments in Pécs, Hungary, since 2010, renovating one of the historic buildings in the city centre and providing jobs for locals. (Editor’s note: the word ‘casino’ in this context refers to early 19th-century social clubs in Hungary, not gambling houses.)

MCC Saves the Building in Pécs

The more than 150-year-old building has been vacant and unused for two decades, and its condition has deteriorated dramatically in recent years. For a long time, no one took on the task of saving this property of outstanding value. However, the Mathias Corvinus Collegium has made it its mission to revive the historic building while preserving its values. In addition, it will restore its former status and give it a new community function, which will be achieved through a comprehensive reconstruction project that meets 21st-century requirements in terms of value preservation, architecture, structure, engineering, and usability.

Following the renovation, the building will once again become an important centre of life and a meeting place for the people of Pécs and Baranya County: it will host events, conferences, and cultural programmes, and it will also house a catering facility and a library. More than 300 talented students aged 10 and above will be able to study here until they obtain their university degrees and beyond. Besides, it will become a training centre for talented individuals as well.

MCC will also contribute to the expansion of university dormitory capacity in Pécs: a modern dormitory for more than 100 students will be built on the Mária Street side of the site. The plans include the creation of a green courtyard and the construction of a new pedestrian passageway that will provide a direct connection between Király Street and Mária Street, further enhancing the vibrant community life of the city centre.

Minimal Inconvenience for Local Residents

It is of paramount importance to Mathias Corvinus Collegium that the demolition and construction works cause as little inconvenience as possible to residents, institutions, and businesses. To this end, the contractor complies fully with all regulations, keeps noise levels below the prescribed limits, and strives to reduce environmental impact and ensure safety through additional technical solutions. First, it will fence off the work area and install safe scaffolding and protective equipment for the given work phases. As is common with buildings of this age, a number of unexpected factors may complicate the construction process, but according to current plans, the work should be completed in 2027.

Additional information is available on a website with ongoing updates, which can be accessed here.

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