Special Urban Planning Study for the Old Town of Corfu

The Special Urban Planning Study (SUPS) concerns the historic Old Town of Corfu, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2007. Its objective is to achieve a balanced harmonization between the monument’s character and the modern needs of the city, ensuring its protection, preservation, and sustainable development.

The study area includes the formerly walled city of Corfu, which had developed up to the end of the Venetian rule in the 18th century, with its fortifications being prominent features. Its perimeter coincides with the area designated as a "Monument" upon its inscription in the UNESCO List.

The Problem

The Old Town of Corfu faces challenges related to:

• The lack of modern urban planning, as the current regulatory plan (1958) does not meet today’s needs
• Insufficient institutional protection, leading to unauthorized interventions and difficulties in maintaining historical buildings
• The need for a balance between preserving cultural identity and supporting local economic development
• The absence of traffic and parking regulations, which affect the functionality and daily life of residents

The Solution

The SUPS will establish a clear framework for:

• Revising the regulatory plan, ensuring the protection of the urban fabric.
• Creating a digital archive documenting all buildings and open spaces in the Old Town
• Enacting new regulations for construction, maintenance, and modernization of buildings
• Developing land uses and functions that reinforce the continuity of the city’s cultural and economic life
• Regulating traffic and parking spaces based on Sustainable Mobility principles, improving accessibility for residents, visitors, and businesses

Benefits

✔ Institutional Framework: Ensuring regulations for the protection and development of the Old Town
✔ Balanced Development: Protecting historical identity while supporting economic activity
✔ Infrastructure Improvement: Modern planning that serves both residents and visitors
✔ Sustainability & Environmental Protection: Rational use of resources and reducing risks from unauthorized interventions
✔ Enhancement of City Identity: Promoting and preserving Corfu’s cultural and architectural heritage

Implementation Process

The study will be carried out in two phases:

1️⃣ Phase A: Analysis, general diagnosis, and preliminary study
2️⃣ Phase B: Final study and implementation of regulations for land readjustment and overall development

Upon completion of the SUPS, the Old Town of Corfu will have a comprehensive urban planning tool to ensure its preservation and development in the coming years.