The Onassis Foundation has launched a European Architectural Competition for the remodeling of Athens city centre.The competition – which will be funded by the Foundation -will be realized in two stages: the first is a competition of ideas, out of which a few proposals will be shortlisted for the second stage, where the winner will be selected.

 Speaking at an event held yesterday to mark the launch, Prime Minister Lucas Papademos said the project is vital for Athens, stressing the benefits that emerge from collaborations between state and private agencies, and adding that rescuing the historic centre of Athens is an urgent need and top priority."We owe this to Athenians and to the country," he said. Addressing the same event, New Democracy (ND) leader Antonis Samaras characterized  the regeneration of the Athens city centre as a necessity.

The "Re-think Athens" project is a multifaceted intervention centred on Panepistimiou Street, extending from Amalias Avenue to Patission Street, featuring a brand- new Omonoia Square. Looking for sustainable mobility, the project includes the extension of the tramline and the creation of bicycle lanes while major city arteries will become pedestrianised.

The aim of the project is to turn the city centre into an attractive destination for people rather that a traffic area for automobiles, to environmentally and aesthetically upgrade it and reinvigorate its commercial, administrative and financial functionality. The public has been invited to actively engage with the project, via social media platforms, by contributing ideas and debating views to enhance the quality of life in Athens.

 Kathimerini: New plan targets battered city center’s rejuvenation