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At a special event, in the presence of the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the official presentation of the new Metropolitan Park in Faliro Bay, implemented by the Attica Region, was held at Plateia Nerou.
At the same time, the project was named “AENAON, the Open Park of the Mediterranean,” and attendees viewed its final form in a 3D depiction.
In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized the project’s significance, not only for the country but also for Europe, highlighting the collaboration with the regional governor, Nikos Hardalias, and generally the representatives of local self-government.
In particular, he stated that it is “a truly unique park, not only for Attica but dare I say for the entire Mediterranean, offering the citizens of Attica and its millions of visitors an outlet for recreation and sports, primarily to the residents of Kallithea, Moschato, and Palaio Faliro. […] We are a government that collaborates harmoniously with local self-government. With Nikos Hardalias and the mayors, you know that we have an open channel of communication, we all work for the same goal: To improve the quality of life of the residents of Attica, with small, medium, and large projects, putting aside any local rivalries, always thinking outside the box.”
Mr. Mitsotakis described the under-development Faliro Bay as “a large ‘window’ of the capital and Attica to the sea,” where a green metropolitan park will be created, with leisure spaces, culture, with modern infrastructures, and multiple action activities. He noted that, in combination with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, Piraeus will be connected along its entire coastal front, up to Voula and Sounion, while the Olympic installations will also be revived.
Addressing the regional governor of Attica, the Prime Minister observed that out of all the actions of the Region, this is “the most emblematic, my dear Nikos, the ‘Aenaon’ park.” “And be sure that we will work together to adhere to these timelines. We aspire to have a truly unique park here,” he assured Mr. Hardalias.
The regional governor of Attica spoke of a “beautiful, special day for Attica” in his address, noting that with the completion of the project, a new landmark will be created for the metropolis, which will attract residents and visitors alike and at the same time “an ideal example of how urban renovations can be designed with terms of sustainability, high aesthetics, and inclusion.”
Regarding the naming of the park, Mr. Hardalias stated that the “AENAON” reflects the governance philosophy of the regional Authority for a “continuous effort to make a difference,” with the ultimate goal of improving the daily life of the citizen. He gave special emphasis to the designation of the project as “Open Park of the Mediterranean,” the sea that constitutes for Attica “a critical vital space from every aspect, economic, geopolitical, cultural,” symbolically reflecting the extent of the intervention that “surpasses the boundaries of the Region, even of the country.”
The regional governor offered personal thanks to the Prime Minister, noting: “Once again, you trusted us in difficult times and were by our side in this special effort to revive the project. Now, we know that the bar is set high, and for us, the new challenge is to be fully consistent with the implementation schedule.”
Indeed, Mr. Hardalias revealed that the ongoing urban reconstruction will be extended, as with the central government’s consent, the transfer from ETAD to the Region of the Tae Kwon Do and Plateia Nerou is expected to be completed within the coming months, for the next 40 years. He also stressed that a unified management entity would be created by the Attica Region, with the participation of all municipalities and local entities, thus forming “a single arc, a single green island, a unique holistic approach to urban revitalization.”
He also extensively referred to the strenuous efforts made by the current administration of the Attica Region to resume dialogue with European partners and secure funding approval from the European Commission.
Completing his speech, the regional governor described the Park as a model for the “metropolitan planning” of all major projects, with the Region having the exclusive responsibility and authority for their implementation. As he noted, major projects will be carried out in all 66 municipalities of Attica, on specific timelines and with secured resources.
On his part, the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, stressed: “Our goal is the significant upgrade of the area, combining sustainability with aesthetics, so that both residents and visitors can enjoy the experience. Mr. Papathanasis congratulated Mr. Hardalias for his decisive contribution to the current outcome and noted: “Our strategic aim is for all available EU financial tools to be utilized and absorbed, with the public interest and social cohesion as the guiding principles.”
In a greeting sent via video, the European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira referred to a flagship project based on the principles of the European Bauhaus, emphasizing that the new Metropolitan Park in Faliro Bay is a “example of public investment excellence not only for Greece but for the entire Europe, harmoniously connecting man and nature, citizens and their environment.” “As with any ambitious project, there were technical obstacles that had to be overcome and you did it. This project would not have been possible without the creative work, under the joint leadership of this combination of central government and local authorities, especially regional governor Mr. Hardalias, with the support of the creative community of the new European Bauhaus, as well as without the expertise and initial financial support, totaling over 90 million euros, from the European Commission. We are, therefore, very proud to have been able to support your innovative ideas and project,” she added. (29/11/2024)
PHOTO: Press Office of the Attica Region