Social Responsibility
In the course of planning and constructing Agria Park, our commitment to upholding social values has been embodied by our efforts to conserve existing heritage, incorporate the principles of barrier-free design, and go the extra mile by engaging in a dialogue with our stakeholders.
Conservation, value creationRight from the conceptual beginnings of Agria Park, particular emphasis has been placed on the conservation of existing heritage, and its integration into the new development, while simultaneously attempting to create new architectural value. To achieve this, in close cooperation with the city of Eger, the investor decided to construct a complex of buildings that both complements and blends in with the historic cityscape, and is a worthy successor to the former tobacco factory that stood in its place. The success of these efforts is underpinned by the fact that some 7,000 square metres (almost a third) of the complex’s gross area consists of the original tobacco factory building, which in the course of its renovation has retained its original roof structure and supporting structures. Other features of the original site that have been preserved for posterity include the water tower, Zsolnay drinking fountain and sundial located in the grounds, while the supporting columns of the former tobacco factory now grace the halls of the new shopping centre. The Tobacco Museum has also been preserved. This important slice of Eger’s history continues to operate in refurbished premises.
The shopping centre is unparalleled on the Hungarian market, as its unique design concept – an exterior that blends the traditional with the modern, combined with a functional interior – lend the complex a highly individual character. The building is constructed to the highest quality standards, with a 3.75-meter ceiling height in the shops and its technological systems hidden from view. All of this makes for a pleasant atmosphere, which is further enhanced by the surrounding parkland, its ancient trees painstakingly preserved and protected even during the construction work. Apart from being a good place to relax, this area is also suitable for use as a venue for cultural and other events.
Agria Park is for everyone!Agria Park has been designed with the needs of the physically handicapped in mind. Accordingly, the centre and its surroundings have been made barrier-free. To assist the blind and partially sighted, the pedestrian crossing lights in the vicinity of the park also emit an audible signal.
Going the extra mileThe development was greatly assisted by the positive atmosphere resulting from the continuous dialogue the investor Wallis Ingatlan conducted with the media and the local population, keeping them informed (linkelhet?ek az ide kapcsolódó sajtóközlemények) about the project, the progress being made and what building work should be expected. This type of communication is very important to the developer and to Agria Park’s management. It was perhaps due to this openness that those living in the immediate vicinity of the building site displayed such exemplary patience and a positive attitude towards the development. In this regard, the success of Agria Park is not only attributable to the developer, the construction firms who were involved and the local council, but also to all the residents of Eger. It was in gratitude for their patience and support that, at Christmas in 2006 and 2007, the company presented small gifts to those living adjacent to the site, and also took the unprecedented step of allowing anyone who expressed an interest to see how the work was progressing at an “Open Day” held in December 2007.
Besides complying with legal and technical requirements, and doing all we can to conserve and “rescue” our cultural and architectural heritage, in its projects Wallis Ingatlan always makes the effort to go beyond what is strictly required or compulsory. The same is true of its project in Eger, where, following completion of the development, Wallis Ingatlan plans to engage in activities such as providing support for children’s causes, and sponsoring institutions that specialize in assisting children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
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