Redesigning of city center and pedestrianization proceeds apace
The reconfiguration of Omonia Square is going ahead on the basis of an award-winning architectural design. The next few days should see the completion of the first phase of the work, which involves redesigning the sidewalks and laying paving stones as well as forming pedestrian areas. The central part of the square will be ready by Easter. Advertising signboards had already been proscribed in the area while a similar program is under way in Aghiou Constantinou and Pireos streets. Signboards – the aim is to get rid of some 10,000 – are also being removed from the historical and commercial center of Athens. EAHA has proposed that the project be extended to the whole of Athens for a more even result. The works in progress in Apostolou Pavlou Street, which started during the first days of this year, aim to pedestrianize 910 meters of roadway and create green spaces along this stretch. The whole area will cover 10,000 square meters and will include Thiseion-Irakleidon Square and the triangular copse at the end of Apostolou Pavlou near the urban railway station of Thiseion. The project will have been completed by fall. The reconfiguration of Athinas Street was put out to tender a short while before the end of 2001 and the winning bid is expected to be declared soon. All the facades along the street will be restored, with special emphasis given to partition walls, to be designed by architects and artists. It will be narrowed by three meters and the sidewalks widened by the same amount. This is one of four major projects by EAHA on four central Athens roads (similar announcements concerning the others – Mitropoleos, Kolokotroni and Aeolou – are expected in February). The relevant study proposes that the scattered empty buildings should be made into cafes, restaurants and hotels so that the area is not dead after store closing time.
