Athens’ Faliro Bay Metropolitan Park Project Progresses with EU Funding

An impression of the upcoming Faliron Bay. Photo source: Attica Region

The development of a metropolitan park at Faliro Bay, the largest urban regeneration project ever undertaken in the Region of Attica, is progressing toward completion.

The announcement follows the signing of the relevant decision for the project’s inclusion and financing by European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Eliza Ferreira.

Part of the New European Bauhaus initiative, the park has faced delays since its initial planning in 2016 and will cover an area of 541 hectares, with a total budget of 370 million euros.

During the project announcement this week, Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias said that the park will be tendered by the end of 2024, with an anticipated public opening by the end of 2028. Auxiliary infrastructure will be developed concurrently.

“We are back on track for the greatest urban development in Attica,” Hardalias said, noting the project’s progression after many years of delay.

Metropolitan Park at Faliron Bay will be accessible to all

Attica Governor Nikos Hardalias. Photo source: Attica Region

The park is designed to be accessible to all and will feature facilities for athletic, educational, creative, and recreational activities. Notably, 75 percent of the area—approximately 343 hectares—will be dedicated to nature, including a variety of large and medium-sized trees and abundant vegetation.

An estimated 2,900 trees will be planted in the park, located adjacent to the sea and in close proximity to central Athens.

Additional features of the park will include spaces for cultural activities, swimming pools, 5×5 sports fields, open-air exhibitions, summer movie theaters, themed children’s playgrounds, sand play areas, and 3D installations, positioning it as a premier destination.

“The approval of the project by the Commission represents the culmination of our dedicated collaboration with the Jaspers advisory group and the DG REGIO of the European Commission. This has been a key priority for our administration since we took office,” Hardalias remarked.

EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Eliza Ferreira, emphasized that the Metropolitan Park at Faliro Bay will serve as a significant new landmark for Attica and its residents, as well as an attraction for visitors.

“The project embodies the principles of the New European Bauhaus, exemplifying how urban development can be realized with sustainability, aesthetics, and inclusivity at its core,” the Commissioner stated.

The metropolitan park will operate on a public-private partnership basis, with a global operator selected to manage commercial activities within the park and maintain it for a specified period.

The New European Bauhaus initiative, launched in early 2021, is a creative movement that links sustainability with aesthetics, aiming to improve the quality of life for EU citizens through inclusive and innovative urban development.