Swimming pools, themed playgrounds, event spaces and a sports center will be built
The European Commission has approved an initial amount of 93 million euros from the Cohesion Fund to support the regeneration of a 540-hectare coastal park along Faliro Bay.
The investment will transform the city’s waterfront into a green, inclusive and vibrant space in line with New European Bauhaus principles, while having the potential to increase tourism, boost revenue for local businesses and boost the regional economy development, as the Commission states in its announcement. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2028.
The park will be open to the public, free of charge, with resources used to make the waterfront more attractive and transform the area into a hub of activity. Swimming pools, themed playgrounds, event spaces and a sports center will be built. At the same time, facilities used for the 2004 Olympic Games will be reused for educational and cultural activities.
The park and its activities will be fully accessible to People with Disabilities and through the modernization of roads, tram networks and paths, will be connected to neighboring areas. Thanks to the implementation of drainage networks and rainwater collectors, the resources will also support the flood-proofing capacity of the waterfront. More than 2,900 trees will be planted, while Renewable Energy Sources will be integrated into the park’s energy mix.
The EU’s support will overall improve the quality of life for the residents of Athens, who can now enjoy the educational and cultural activities and many facilities of the park, as the Commission notes.
The Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, emphasized that the park “will be a new attraction and tourist attraction for the city of Athens. The green space will connect citizens of all ages and residents will have access to sporting, educational and creative activities. The project, inspired by the New European Bauhaus initiative, will be a perfect example of how urban investments can be designed in a sustainable, aesthetic and inclusive way.”
