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Next Regeneration Project for Athens: Panepistimiou Street

An impression of Panepistimiou street after renovation works are complete.

The municipality of Athens is moving ahead with the redevelopment of central Panepistimiou St as part of a general urban redevelopment plan that has included so far park projects, pedestrian walkways, and city square overhauls.

The renovation of Panepistimiou St, to cost 3 million euros, is scheduled to begin at the end of the year and run for a period of up to 15 months, the municipality said.

It will create an additional 19,360m2 of public space, 2,260m2 of green areas complete with 87 new plane trees, as well as bike routes and recreational areas, and follows the example of similar urban plans implemented in Berlin and Paris, the municipality said.

The project comes after a test run of the co-called “Athens Grand Walk”, which included expanding pedestrian areas along the main thoroughfare.

The City of Athens notes that feedback has been taken into account for the finalization of the project which aims to upgrade the standard of living in the urban center, make it more accessible and friendlier to residents and visitors.

In efforts to clarify a number of issues, the municipality has launched an FAQ series covering questions on the project.

Athens authorities are noting that there will be as little as possible disruption in the capital as works will be carried out in segments.

However, according to a recent survey, the “Megalos Peripatos” or “Grand Walk” – a 6.8km pedestrian walkway aiming to unify Athensarchaeological sites and landmarks and create bicycle lanes – failed to win over residents.

The municipality said however that based on data, times to city center locations were slashed, number of vehicles reduced, air pollution levels decreased and pedestrian movement increased over the pilot period of a year.

The project comes after the launch of upgrade works on Syntagma Square and plans for Theatrou Square, a landmark located off Athens central Varvakeios Market.

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About the Author
Chicago-born and raised, Maria Paravantes has over two decades of journalistic experience covering tourism and travel, gastronomy, arts, music and culture, economy and finance, politics, health and social issues for international press and media. She has worked for Reuters, The Telegraph, Huffington Post, Billboard Magazine, Time Out Athens, the Athens News, Odyssey Magazine and SETimes.com, among others. She has also served as Special Advisor to Greece’s minister of Foreign Affairs, and to the mayor of Athens on international press and media issues. Maria is currently a reporter, content and features writer for GTP Headlines.
  1. Mr. Anonymous Reply

    Although it is positive to see the Athens govt. take steps to make city life cleaner and more user friendly, following the footsteps of other progressive city, I find that areas around Acharnon are neglected in terms of cleanliness, trash removal and overall focus in these areas. The Attiki train station constantly smells heavily of urine and feces. I have been at the station many times and see no obvious change. Athens is more than the wealthy and tourist areas to be considered. I understand these areas are heavily immigrant populated, but also need some consideration. The train and bus stations should be powerwashed at least once a month, including sweeping and washing the side streets.

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