Update on the Votanikos double regeneration project in Athens

Athens Mayor Charis Doukas responded to criticisms from former mayor Kostas Bakoyannis regarding the progress of the Votanikos double regeneration project. Doukas stated that the project, which has been delayed for decades, is now moving forward with completed expropriations and new technical approvals. He highlighted that the Central Council of Architecture (KESA) has unanimously approved the designs for the new Panathinaikos amateur sports facilities. Doukas argued that while expropriations were funded in July 2022, no progress was made under the previous administration until his own team implemented a new 70% value-based model to expedite land acquisition. Bakoyannis had previously suggested that the project was stalled due to delays in auxiliary infrastructure such as road and flood protection works. Doukas countered these claims, asserting that his administration has successfully unblocked contracted projects that lacked sufficient legal or physical preparation. He accused his predecessor of politicizing the construction process.