Fire-hit Mati in Eastern Attica to be Redeveloped into Massive Park

Attica Governor George Patoulis. Photo source: Attica Region.

Six key projects budgeted at 20 million euros and part of the Mati Memorial Park, will be carried out in the area of Mati, which was burned to ashes by one of Greece’s deadliest fires in July 2018, Attica Region Governor George Patoulis announced last week.

Patoulis announced the news during an inspection of works in the area by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades.

“We are contributing to an iconic project: to the creation of the largest park in Eastern Attica, in memory of the victims,” he said, adding that the works to be carried out in a 32-acre area are aimed at improving the living conditions in the affected area of Mati and upgrading of the quality of life for those affected.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with Attica Governor Gorge Patoulis. Photo source: Attica region.

The projects to be carried out by the Attica Region’s development agency “New Metropolitan Attica” in cooperation with the environment ministry and a parliamentary supervising committee will be funded through an endowment made by the Republic of Cyprus and through 12 million euros in private donations.

Among others, the Mati Memorial Park will include biking and hiking trails, an open-air theater, sports facilities and 98 new homes for those who lost theirs in the 2018 fire.

The Nautical club in Mati.

The six strategic projects planned for the once forested area which housed children’s camps will include the redevelopment of the buildings inside the Greek Seamen’s Pension Fund (NAT) to be completed this year and to include the creation of an exhibition space, an educational center, rest areas, and parking space; the regeneration of forested area and ensuring energy autonomy; creating a seaside boardwalk; installing an urban firefighting network, digital applications and smart city technologies; and creating a tributary area.

Located on the east coast of Attica, Mati was devastated by one of Greece’s deadliest fires in 2018 which lead to the tragic deaths of at least 102 people.