Athens Municipality Announces Two New Green Spaces in Sepolia and Rizoupoli Neighbourhoods

Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis with KTYP CEO Thanassis Giannaris signing the concession agreement. Photo source: Athens Municipality/ Vassilis Labiris.

The Municipality of Athens has announced plans to establish two new green spaces in the Sepolia and Rizoupoli neighborhoods of the Greek capital. The announcement comes after Building Infrastructures S.A. (KTYP) granted over 17,000 square meters of land for this purpose.

According to the municipality, the aim of the development is to improve the city’s public spaces and cater to the needs of both residents and visitors.

One of the designated areas is the historic VOTRYS distillery site in Sepolia, which covers an area of 13,475 square meters. It is situated next to the recently demolished Koropoulis factory. In addition, a plot of land measuring 3,811 square meters in the northern Athenian neighborhood of  Thermida, Rizoupoli near a local school and park, is included in this endeavor.

“Today Athens gains two new green areas, which means more open space and oxygen for its residents,” said Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis.

The Votrys area in Sepolia.

The mayor thanked KTYP for the five year long free concession of the site of the historic VOTRYS distillery, which has remained abandoned for four decades and which will now be able to be used for the benefit of all.

“We have similar plans for Rizoupoli where we will transform an abandoned plot of land into a green and recreational area,” Bakoyannis added.

The VOTRYS distillery holds a rich history, having operated in Sepolia since its establishment in 1906 by the Hellenic Wine and Spirits Company. Located on the Grammou, Siokos, and Avlonos streets, it ceased operations in 1986. The buildings were later acquired by the School Buildings Organization in the late 1990s with the intention of building a school, but the plan never materialized. Designated as listed monuments by the Ministry of Culture in 2004, these structures will now be preserved and protected as part of the Municipality’s efforts.

Thermida, Rizoupoli.

Under the concession contract, the municipality intends to revitalize the surrounding areas to ensure free access for residents. Proposed plans include landscape improvements, walking routes, rest areas, an electric lighting network, and urban amenities. The municipality will also take responsibility for the cleaning and maintenance of the site, covering all associated expenses.

Moreover, the Municipality of Athens will acquire 3,811 square meters of land in Thermida, Rizoupolis. This parcel of land, located on Volvi, Pityountos, Ermonassis, Ophiountos, and Kromni streets, is adjacent to the 22nd Athens Lyceum and the local stadium. It will be transformed into a new green space for local residents. The municipality will also be solely responsible for the site’s upkeep, including cleaning, maintenance, and associated costs.