Athens: Revamp Planned for National Garden, Syntagma Square and Plato’s Academy  

Syntagma Square, Athens. Photo © GNTO/Y Skoulas

Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas agreed to move ahead with a total of 40 upgrade projects in the Greek capital budgeted at 101 million euros.

The two officials met this week to discuss the redevelopment of Athens as part of efforts to improve the standard of living in the Greek capital.

Hardalias said the Attica Region would be allocating the funds from the “Attica 2021-2027” program and agreed with Doukas to set up a joint working committee that would be coordinating and overseeing the projects.

“We are resolute on improving the appearance of the capital,” said Hardalias, adding that listed projects are aimed at initially modernizing the infrastructure in Athens, and in turn strengthening its competitiveness, showcasing the city’s cultural heritage, and enhancing social cohesion.

Athens Mayor Haris Doukas and Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias. Photo source: Municipality of Athens

“Our goal is to create a city that offers opportunities to all, promotes economic growth, sustainability and improves the quality of life,” Hardalias said.

The projects will focus on promoting social cohesion, supporting the city’s most vulnerable groups, and making the city resilient, said Doukas. These include:

– repairing sidewalks and pedestrian walkways,
– redeveloping Athens’ Ermou shopping district from Syntagma Square to Aiolou St,
– installing electric vehicle charging stations,
– creating a network of bike paths and “green” routes,
– encouraging the energy upgrade of city buildings,
– redeveloping the National Garden,
– showcasing Plato’s Academy,
– and creating targeted health services for the city’s vulnerable groups.

National Garden, Athens. Photo © Greek Travel Pages (GTP)

“We are committed to advancing the works as quickly as possible so that these can be delivered to the citizens of Athens – especially those who are most in need,” said Doukas, adding that the projects were of critical importance.