Athens Redevelopment Project Finally Gets Green Light

A 78.5-million-euro project for the redevelopment of the Panepistimiou-Patission axis, the extension of the tram line and related traffic measures that will breath new life into the center of Athens, was finally given the "green light" this week by the Greek government.

Now that the signing of the environmental impact study by Environment, Energy & Climate Change Minister Yiannis Maniatis was agreed, the project, which was announced in 2013, will begin being implemented.

The project involves a number of smaller projects that are divided into two entities. It is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2016 and funded with 37,974,000 Euros by the ministry of the environment through the Operational Program for Environment & Sustainable Development (EPPEPAA), as well as with 40,526,000 Euros by the Regional Authority of Attiki through the Regional Operational Program (PEP Attiki).

It concerns:

• The extension of the tram line from Syntagma Square up to Egyptou Square via the Amalias, Panepistimiou and Patission streets.
• The redevelopment of the public space between Acadimias and Stadiou streets.
• Interventions on Amalias and Patission streets up to Egiptou Square that will give a priority to pedestrians
• Traffic circulation measures will also aim at redesigning public transportation routes for easier access.
• Athens' Syntagma and Omonia Squares will be turned into "green urban squares"
• Works at Dikeossinis Square and Korai Street will aim to transform these areas into free public space.