The European Commission has approved €370 million in funding for the Faliro Bay Metropolitan Park in Athens, a key project under the New European Bauhaus initiative, which had faced delays since its initial proposal in 2016.
According to an article by Tania Georgiopoulou in ekathimerini.com, signed by Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Elisa Ferreira, this approval enables the development of a 54.1-hectare park aimed at revitalizing and preserving green spaces across the city.
The park will dedicate 75% of its area to green spaces, including the planting of 2,900 new trees, while the remaining 25% will feature recreational facilities like sports fields, playgrounds, an outdoor cinema, and event spaces. The project is expected to go to auction by January 2025, with a targeted opening date in 2028.
To ensure long-term sustainability, regional officials are planning partnerships with private operators to manage and maintain the park. Athens Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias emphasized his administration’s commitment to advancing this initiative, which had stalled under previous leadership, as part of a larger vision for enhancing urban sustainability and providing the community with increased access to nature.
Source: ekathimerini