In the news has been found lately or the Patrasas new works They are preparing to start, competitions to be announced and large real estate to change hands. While some plans that have been announced for years seem to be freely freezing.
One of the most iconic projects being prepared is the construction of the “Patradise Mega Yacht Marina”. With a budget of € 12.5 million from the recovery fund, the new Marina is projected to accommodate up to 212 yacht, making it one of the largest in its kind in Greece. At the same time, it is foreseen to create vessel maintenance and spreading space in the southern port, and it is estimated that 300 immediate jobs will be created. The investment, however, has not remained questionable. The Mayor of Patras, Costas Peletidis, has expressed his strong opposition, criticizing the gathering of state attention in a project that favors business interests while the existing marina remains degraded.
At the same time, OLPA presents elements that substantiate the importance of the marina for the local economy, such as the creation of immediate and indirect jobs, increased tourist revenue, and boosting maritime tourism.
At the same time, the procedures for the subpartition of Patras begins with the aim of setting up cruise terminals, as the competition that has already attracted investment interest is ongoing. According to the statement from the Hypermalion, after the evaluation of the submitted dossiers of expressions of interest, candidates who meet the default criteria will be invited to participate in the second phase of the competition in which default investors will submit their bids.
There are also significant developments in the field of urban regeneration. The area of Riganokampos was eventually granted to the Municipality of Patras, with the aim of creating a park, corresponding to the southern park. Although the original plans included the creation of theater, this was deemed impossible because of the territorial conditions. However, the site is indicated for mild regeneration interventions with the same resources of the Municipality, with the aim of fully translating a previously degraded area.
Another ambitious venture is the redevelopment of the old Ladopoulos Papper Factory, which is considered the largest PPP project to be undertaken to date. The plan provides for the creation of a multipurpose complex for administrative, cultural and educational uses, with a total budget of € 70 million and aiming to upgrade the coastal front of the city.
However, not all plans in Patras go forward. The large railway project of the 5.2km underground, from Kanellopoulou Street to the Dimonas Coast, seems to be finally abandoned, as the EU. He rejected his accession to CEF 2, which had an initial budget of € 477 million, with the Greek side expecting € 366 million.
Although the competition for the rail connection from Rio to the new port is ongoing for three and a half years, the project has virtually frozen. An alternative is now being considered, which concerns the upgrading of the existing suburban line.
In this regard, the Agency will look for a technical adviser for 30,000 euros to assist it in the formation of functional design features for the suburban Patras. He will be called upon to design the forecast model, which will result in the passenger demand of the suburban in combination with other means of transport, public and private.
Patras is therefore at a crucial threshold. On the one hand, efforts are being made to implement large projects that promise to change the face of the city. On the other hand, some discussed plans seem to be abandoned, prompting reactions and questions about the future of urban development and infrastructure.