What the redeveloped coastal area from Tsaki to Messonghi will look like
CORFU. The area will change significantly, providing a safe and beautiful walkway for pedestrians.
The upcoming redevelopment project initiated by the Ionian Islands Regional Authority in South Corfu, from Tsaki, Benitses to Messonghi, will bring about a radical change to the current landscape along the coastline.
Once the design is finalised and the project is out out to tendered, the area will change significantly, providing a safe and beautiful walkway for pedestrians.
BEFORE
AFTER
The redevelopment includes the construction of a 1-metre-wide pavement along the entire length - approximately 3.2 km. This will separate the beach area from the traffic and create a safe zone for the movement of pedestrians, cyclists and individuals with special needs along the beach.
Additionally, the project includes the creation of recreational spaces with kiosks, benches and parking areas, which are separated from the walkway by the planting of shrubs.
Along the route, there are planned areas for rest and viewing with planted strips, seating made of concrete or stone with wood, pergolas (light structures) with climbing plants, protective railings and functional lighting.
Furthermore, the plan includes road markings and installing road surface reflectors (cat's eyes) and reflective barriers in some sections and locations that require attention. Signs for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as waste bins, are also planned.
The design highlights the landscape by utilising the rich vegetation with appropriate path markings, while also enriching it, where necessary, with plant species adapted to the coastal conditions.
Awaiting the programmatic agreement
The redevelopment and enhancement project of the tourist zone from the area of Tsaki, Benitses to Messonghi on the Corfu-Lefkimmi road will be executed through the signing of the programmatic agreement between the Regional Authority and the Local Government Development Agency "EVDIMOS SA," which is expected to take place in the near future. The programmatic agreement has a duration of 36 months from its signing, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
"EVDIMOS" will implement the project on behalf of the Regional Authority, which will be in charge of the project. The supervision, tendering and selection of the contractor to carry out the project will be exclusively handled by "EVDIMOS" and the project must be tendered by the end of 2023 to avoid the loss of funds allocated for its construction.
Project to be put out to tender this summer
The project, which will be put out to tender through an international open public competition, has already secured funding of €5.9m from the "Antonis Tritsis" programme.
"This project will be put out to tender during the summer," Manolis Orfanoudakis, Deputy Regional Governor for Infrastructure and Technical Works told Enimerosi. "The process, from the announcement of the competition to the signing of the contract, takes 7-9 months. The purpose of the project is to construct a 1-meter-wide walkway along the entire length - approximately 3.2 km. This will separate the beach area from the traffic and create a safe zone for the movement of pedestrians, cyclists and individuals with special needs along the beach, while simultaneously creating recreational spaces."
The Idea
The idea for the redevelopment of this specific section dates back to the past. The architectural study was prepared in 2013 by the Municipality of Corfu, but the planning process was subsequently halted. The case was revived by the Regional Authority in 2019, with the inclusion of the funding proposal in the "Antonis Tritsis" programme.
