The first phase of the ambitious reconstruction of Faliro Bay is almost completed and the plans for Phase B have been presented, with the Attica Region now seeking the funds needed for its implementation.
The plans for Phase B are the work of renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano. They cover the seaside from the Faliro Delta to the Peace and Friendship Stadium, including all of the neighborhoods of Tzitzifies, Kallithea and Moschato.
Works on the ambitious project to revamp Faliro Bay, which is a large portion of the broader “Athens Riviera,” began in 2017. The aim of the redevelopment is for all Athenians to have easy access and multiple uses of a long shorefront which has never been used to its full potential.
Phase B of the Faliro Bay redevelopment will be one of the largest public works in Greece in the coming years. The project, which is expected to be put out for bid by the Attica Region in the next few months, includes features which will complement the ongoing projects under Phase A of the Faliro Bay reconstruction.
According to reports, the Attica Region is considering applying for a loan to the European Investment Bank (EIB), which is now financing infrastructure projects at favorable rates.
Phase B of the project envisages the creation of a large park and three parking lots. The 220-acre park will be constructed along the shorefront, between the Peace and Friendship Stadium and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.
The green area, which will see the planting of approximately 3,500 trees, will generally consist of low vegetation consistent with the Attica landscape. This area will be completely open to the public.
Two of the three parking lots will be constructed underground, and will be located near the two pedestrian crossings, allowing citizens easy access to the seashore. The construction of the two crossings, which is part of Phase A of the project, is almost completed at this point.
The third parking lot, with 180 spaces, is expected to be built on an empty lot near the Peace and Friendship Stadium. The three parking lots there will have a total capacity of 980 vehicles.
Implementation of Phase B projects is expected to take 30 months from the signing of the contract between the region and the contractor.
Extensive changes to the area have already been carried out, under Phase A of the project, at a cost of over €90 million.
Τhe multipurpose coastal park to be developed in the future will not be cut off from the city, and will unify the neighboring municipalities of Piraeus, Moschato, Kallithea and Paleo Faliro along the entire shoreline.
These plans will include the displacement of Poseidonos Avenue 90 meters south of its current location to a new parallel alignment, as well as two underground crossings 300 meters (984 feet) from each other, so that easy public access to the sea can be ensured.
In place of the old coastal avenue, an enclosed floodwater pipeline is being constructed which will protect the neighboring municipalities in the event of heavy rainfall.
Works on Phase B of the ambitious plan will commence on February 17, 2020 by shifting the tram line section from Moschato to Tzitzifies. The new line will be constructed at a lower level, at the same height as Ethnarchou Makariou Street.
Work on the construction of the new tram line is expected to be completed in approximately four months.
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