Athens Increases Budget for Building Restoration Scheme

Photo source: Athens Municipality.

As part of ongoing actions to redevelop Athens, the municipality announced on Tuesday that it would be increasing its budget by an additional 1 million euros for the ongoing “Prosopsi” program which subsidizes the restoration of building facades in the Greek capital.

Launched in June and budgeted at 1.7 million euros, the “Prosopsi” program is aimed at improving the aesthetic of the city as well as ensuring functionality and safety.

Photo source: Athens Municipality.

The municipal authority has so far received more than 400 applications for the program absorbing 100 percent of the initially announced budget. According to the City of Athens, nine in 10 applicants are approved for financial assistance under the Prosopsi program, which covers up to 6,000 euros in costs per building and up to 7,200 euros for historic buildings which will be restored.

So far, 223 apartment buildings, 67 houses and 78 preserved status (historic) buildings have been restored under the scheme.

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis said the “multi-level intervention” was embraced by Athenians as more people acknowledge the need to give aging buildings a second chance and add color to life in the city.

Photo source: Athens Municipality.

“Prosopsi” is part of a major redevelopment plan for Athens which includes a series of urban regeneration projects for 127 neighborhoods such as the restoration of schools, public buildings, and Syntagma Square; the expansion of pedestrian walkways and main roads; and the construction of the new and highly anticipated Panathinaikos stadium in Votanikos scheduled to be completed by 2025.

For more information and to apply, press here.