The contract for the bioclimatic regeneration and upgrading of the spaces of the historic Vila Zografou, was signed by the Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias together with the Mayor of Zografou Tina Kafatsaki, the President of “New Metropolitan Attica S.A.” Dmitris Fragakis and the CEO of the organization Giorgos Kormas.

The redevelopment project, with a budget of 9.2 million euros from the Attica Region’s own resources, includes the upgrading of a green area of about 26 acres, with the completion of the necessary interventions planned within the next four years.

Villa Zografouis is one of the most characteristic examples of 19th-century urban architecture, which has been designated as public property since 1974. Today, the Municipal Conservatory is hosted in its premises, while cultural, artistic, and social events are organized both inside and in the surrounding area.

Through the programmatic contract, the mild bioclimatic redevelopment and the upgrading of the green space will be implemented, with the consolidation of 26 acres of public spaces owned by the Municipality of Zografou and the creation of a green and recreational park. The relevant study has been prepared under the responsibility of the Municipality of Zografou, while the auction, supervision, and all the procedures required for the implementation of the project will be carried out by “Nea Metropolitiki Attiki S.A”.

Within the framework of the project, new uses will be located and configured – such as a playground, gym, rest and socialization areas, dog park, etc. – the existing open-air theatre will be upgraded, the existing greenery will be enhanced with tree plantings, while a new electric lighting network will be installed, based on a special phototechnical study that will highlight the special architectural character of Villa Zografou and the accompanying buildings. It is worth noting that, in addition, all the necessary interventions will be carried out so that the renovated areas will be fully accessible to people with disabilities and people with mobility difficulties.

The action aims to exploit in the best possible functional way a hard-to-find, valuable pocket of greenery and oxygen in the centre of the dense residential area of the Municipality of Zografou. The intervention will respond to the social, environmental, and cultural needs of the residents and visitors of the area, as well as to the upgrading of the quality of everyday life of the citizens, contributing substantially to the achievement of the objectives for sustainable urban development.

In a statement on the signing of the programmatic contract for the redevelopment of Villa Zografou, the Attica regional governor, Nikos Hardalias, said that “it is another essential step in our strategy for the protection and promotion of the cultural landmarks of Attica. With plan, synergies and determination, we are transforming a place with a long history into a modern, open and functional core of culture, greenery and recreation, accessible to every citizen” said the Attica Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias and added: “We continue to invest in the upgrading of historic buildings and spaces across Attica that have remained unused for decades. With respect to their past, we are giving them new life and a new role in modern everyday life, so that they can become reference points for local communities as well as centres of culture and social cohesion. The Region of Attica stands as a helper and supporter to every municipality that claims the upgrading of public spaces and the exploitation of its cultural heritage. And our excellent cooperation with the Municipality of Zografou proves in practice that only through synergies can we move forward with projects that change the image of our neighborhoods. Our policy for Attica is clear: every iconic building, every available public space can become a living cell of the city again. It can add value to everyday life, strengthen local identity and improve the quality of life. With the regeneration of the surrounding area of Villa Zografou, we are putting into practice the promise we made during our recent visit to the municipality: to offer residents an important cultural and environmental asset. Attica deserves spaces that inspire, unite and offer. And with projects like this, we are taking steps to bring it closer to our vision: a region that is humane, functional and sustainable, where the past respects the future and the future honours the past.”

For her part, Zografou Mayor Tina Kafatsaki said: “It is with great pleasure and satisfaction that we signed with the Attica Region Governor Nikos Hardalias the Programmatic Agreement for the Redevelopment of the historic Villa Zografou. This is an emblematic project of a total area of 26 acres, which will transform the heart of our Municipality and offer a modern, functional and open green and cultural space for all citizens. The redevelopment of Villa Zografou is a breathtaking project for our city and an important step towards sustainable development and upgrading the quality of life of our residents. The creation of a park of high greenery in the center of our densely populated city is a basic obligation of our administration towards the citizens of Zografiotes and its implementation will begin immediately, with the assistance of the Region of Attica.”

The signing of the programmatic agreement was attended by the General Director of “New Metropolitan Attica S.A.” Efi Filioopoulou, and the Director of Development Planning of the Region of Attica, Mary Miska.