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Downtown Athens Redevelopment Project's 'Plan B'

Rethink-Athens
The current plan proposes changes to the central “Panepistimiou Street” (highlighted), which is located between Akadimias Street (left) and Stadiou Street (right). The new architects’ proposal sees Stadiou Street being transformed into a pedestrian precinct.

Following the approval of the final plans for the redevelopment project of downtown Athens, including the extension of the existing tram line and related traffic measures, as well as turning Panepistimiou and Amalias Street into roads that give priority to pedestrians and the environment, Greek architects now question, whether a plan B for redeveloping the street running parallel to Panepistimiou, Stadiou Street, would have a wider effect and less impact on the proper function of the downtown area.
Today, Stadiou Street has lost its former glory, with many of its stores remaining vacant. “The once glamorous Stadiou Street has been completely left alone. Our childhood memories meet a grim reality,” said architect Giorgos Triantafillou, while adding, “I am concerned the street will be further abandoned after the two proposed major streets have been redesigned.”
Upon studying the current architectural plans, one can see that the future Panepistimou Street will be surrounded by two massively congested traffic channels, running on both sides parallel to the examined street. However, turning the far right street into a pedestrian precinct will feature three main advantages, mentioned architect Dimitris Kontargyris. “The newly proposed pedestrian axis will be in direct contact with the shopping mall of downtown Athens, Ermou Street, and the “Plaka” historic area. Moreover, redeveloping Stadiou Street won’t require any significant traffic alterations being put through and can be tested immediately, easily and without costs. Let’s just shut down the street on a Saturday morning and see how people and the city will respond,” he added.
The architects believe that the current redevelopment plans will put further pressure on the already congested city center, while not taking under serious consideration any social, commercial or environmental plans.

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