In a groundbreaking collaboration, a private property developer entrusted the historic Buda Roller Mill (Hengermalom), located near the Danube, to Város és Folyó Egyesület (Valyo) for a five-year experimental project. Situated in a rapidly developing area surrounded by modern residential buildings and green spaces, this former industrial site has the potential to become a cornerstone of community identity and activity. Valyo envisions transforming the mill into a vibrant cultural and social hub, offering communal spaces and fostering deeper connections with the Danube’s historic waterfront. The site’s industrial heritage and unique architectural features make it an ideal location for such a transformation, as it has remained largely intact despite the area’s rapid redevelopment.

The Kelesztés Program: A Vision in Action

The Kelesztés program, held from October 11–19, 2024, brought thousands of visitors to the mill, showcasing its potential. The event featured art exhibitions, live performances, workshops, and guided tours of the historic silos. Visitors enjoyed outdoor climbing walls, fermentation sessions, vintage markets, and culinary events, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere. The overwhelming turnout demonstrated the community’s need for a central gathering space and highlighted the mill’s potential as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

A Long-Term Vision for Hengermalom

The redevelopment of the Buda Roller Mill is guided by a strategy of gradual, adaptive reuse that not only preserves the industrial heritage but also prioritises sustainability and cultural value. The long-term plan, developed with partners and property owners, aims to create a self-sustaining ecosystem, blending community-driven initiatives with innovative uses for the site. From 2025, the project will enter a trial operation phase, progressively activating the buildings, developing infrastructure, and fostering a network of tenants and visitors in parallel with the neighborhood’s growth. By repurposing ground-floor spaces and the central courtyard, Valyo plans to transform the site into a versatile community hub where creativity, learning, and collaboration thrive.

Hengermalom: A Hub for Creativity and Connection

The Buda Roller Mill is envisioned as an inclusive space where a wide range of community-driven activities can coexist—recycling workshops, co-working spaces, childcare facilities, and even a high-quality cafeteria. The project is designed to leave room for community input, allowing residents to contribute their ideas to shape the site’s future. By fostering collaboration among artists, entrepreneurs, volunteers, and local organisations, Hengermalom will become a self-sustaining ecosystem that reflects the evolving identity of the neighborhood. It aims to set a new standard for urban development, demonstrating how adaptive reuse of industrial heritage can support cultural vibrancy, sustainability, and social cohesion.

The Hengermalom project is more than just a revitalisation effort—it’s a call to reimagine how industrial heritage can serve modern community needs. Through creativity, collaboration, and adaptive reuse, this historic site is poised to become a central hub for culture, innovation, and sustainability along the Danube. Valyo and its partners are working tirelessly to ensure the success of Hengermalom, proving that with a shared vision and community-driven approach, even the most industrial spaces can transform into thriving ecosystems for generations to come.