Debrecen4U October 14, 2026

Mayor’s Statement on Construction of Fórum 2

Since opening in 2008, Fórum Shopping Centre has become the leading retail destination in Debrecen and the wider region. It has undoubtedly become an integral part of the city’s commercial and economic life, as well as its cultural life, thanks in part to Csokonai Forum. Successful developments have a natural trajectory of growth, and Fórum Shopping Centre is no exception.

Fórum’s success is reflected in the fact that around eight million people visit it every year. Forty businesses from Debrecen and elsewhere in Hungary operate shops in the centre, which is also a longstanding supporter of Debrecen’s major events, from the Flower Carnival and Campus Festival to various talent competitions.

Retail is an important pillar of a city’s economic and community life, making its development essential to Debrecen’s future. This is particularly important because a key aspect of a city’s liveability is ensuring that high-quality retail services are available locally, without residents having to travel to other cities, such as Budapest or even Oradea in Romania, to access them. Instead, Debrecen should become an attraction for residents of other cities.

The city leadership has always supported, and will continue to support, comprehensive development across Debrecen. That is why investment in theatres, public amenities such as the development of Aquaticum Outdoor Water Park and the Great Forest promenade, social and educational institutions, and transport infrastructure has taken place alongside the city’s outstanding economic growth.

However, in recent years, retail investment has lagged behind the pace of the city’s development, which is why the construction of the second phase of Fórum Shopping Centre is justified. Looking at major cities across Europe, we can see that the appeal of their city centres is shaped primarily by architectural heritage, high-quality public spaces, and excellent retail and dining options. Investment in retail and gastronomy is needed, as is the renovation of prominent buildings in the city centre. In this latter area, Debrecen has launched a programme to revitalise its built heritage. Thanks to this initiative, the local authority is providing financial support towards the renovation of five prominent city-centre buildings this year alone.

It is important to make clear that the development site on Csapó Street is owned by the investor, who may carry out the development in accordance with the building permit. However, there are currently two important issues on which no agreement has been reached between the investor and the Municipality of Debrecen: the connection between Fórum Shopping Centre and the new development, and the redevelopment of Csapó Street as a public space. Until an agreement is reached, work in public areas may only involve the relocation of utility infrastructure necessary for construction within the development site. No other construction work may take place in public areas.

The zoning plan approved by the General Assembly establishes clear parameters for the development. Within the boundaries of the construction site, the developer may proceed with the project in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations. The locally protected part of the building at 27 Csapó Street, formerly home to Roncsbár, must be preserved and incorporated into the new shopping centre.

I also want to reaffirm that, over the past few weeks, constructive dialogue has developed between MP Zsolt Tárkányi and me on several issues of major importance to the city. Among other things, we agree that public spaces, and Csapó Street as a community space in particular, must not be subordinated to the Fórum 2 development. This can only be achieved if Csapó Street continues to serve the people of Debrecen as a fully functioning public space.

We also agree that new parks need to be created in the city centre. A comprehensive redevelopment of Bem Square will therefore begin in the near future, and in 2027 we plan to transform Jászai Mari Square, currently used as a car park in the inner city, into an urban park. Under our plans, parking would be removed, apart from provision for the needs of local residents, and the site would become a green space with extensive tree planting and landscaping. We will launch a design competition for ideas, involving architecture students from the University of Debrecen.

Fórum Shopping Centre is an important part of Debrecen’s retail sector. The Fórum 2 development could provide an opportunity for the city to further strengthen its retail and dining offer.

Source and photo credit: debrecen.hu