Restoration tender for Alexandras Avenue refugee complex expected shortly

The refugee housing complex, with a total surface area of approximately 17,215 square meters, comprises 228 apartments, each measuring around 50 square meters. According to the regional authority’s plan—under whose jurisdiction 177 of these units fall—interventions will be carried out on four of the buildings, covering 108 apartments. These works will primarily involve the structural reinforcement of the load-bearing system, restoration of the external façades, and the energy upgrading of the buildings.

More specifically, as stated by the Regional Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, during last week’s “Special Accountability Session of the Attica Regional Council,” in response to a question by Regional Councillor Ioanna Karadima, preparations for the tender concerning the restoration and reuse of the buildings have been completed, and the call for tenders is expected to be published imminently. The necessary studies have already been conducted and building permits have been issued.

According to the Regional Governor, the renovated apartments in three of the buildings will be allocated exclusively for affordable housing for vulnerable groups, while the fourth building will operate as accommodation for relatives accompanying patients hospitalized at Agios Savvas Hospital. The selection criteria will be finalized by the Region upon completion of the project, and current residents will also be eligible to submit applications.

The total budget of the project amounts to approximately €15 million and is funded by European resources allocated to the Region of Attica through the NSRF 2021–2027. The works are expected to be completed by 2028.

Currently, more than 400 people reside in the refugee housing complex, with the majority of the apartments being under occupation.

Current residents are opposing the Region’s redevelopment plans in order to remain in their homes. Through dedicated organizations, they intend to undertake the restoration of the buildings without state funding.

Apartment Buildings with Historical Significance
The apartment buildings were constructed during the interwar period to address the significant housing needs that arose בעקבות the Asia Minor Catastrophe. The first four buildings (120 apartments) were constructed between 1933 and 1935 based on designs by civil engineer Dimitris Kyriakou, while the remaining four buildings (108 apartments) were designed by architect-engineer Kimon Laskaris and completed between 1934 and 1936.

The complex was designated as a historic monument by decisions issued in 2003 (Government Gazette 1747/Β/26-11-2003) and 2009 (Government Gazette 62/13-2-2009), while in 2016 the majority of the complex was transferred to the ownership of the Region of Attica.