Hungary’s Pázmány Péter Catholic University (PPKE) will set up a new campus in central Budapest, integrating faculties located across the country, PPKE’s director for development told Saturday’s Magyar Nemzet newspaper.
The Budapest Campus is to integrate historic buildings such as the one-time Esterházy and Károly Palaces used until recently by the Hungarian Radio in the 8th district, Pál Becker told the paper, adding that the campus “featuring 21st infrastructure and spatial design” is scheduled to open in 2027. Last year, parliament passed a law that lists properties to be transferred to the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Becker noted. Preparatory work is being coordinated by the Budapest Development Centre which is assessing the condition of the properties, he added. The new campus will boast laboratories, IT and technical research centres, a university library with reading rooms, accommodation for 300 students and a sports field.
“We’re thinking in terms of an open campus reflecting the inclusive nature of a Catholic university,” Becker said, adding that the general public would enjoy broad access, including to venues hosting concerts. Students are being consulted during planning stage, with high emphasis placed on heritage and environmental factors, he said.
hungarymatters.hu