“Restoration of the area surrounding the Windmills”: A study carried out by the Municipality of Mykonos

A year ago, the Green Fund published a call for funding proposal through the “ENVIRONMENTAL BALANCE ACTION” 2019-2020 Financing Program, priority axis 1 “Urban Renewal 2019″. This call concerns, among other things, the funding of Municipalities around the country for renovation-restoration projects of public and green spaces, focusing attention on the creation of large public spaces that will become attractive to users and environmentally friendly. Following this call, the Municipality of Mykonos submitted a proposal for the financing of the action entitled: “Restoration of the area surrounding the Windmills”, with a total budget of 710,000.00 euros, including 24%. VAT.

The study focuses on the restoration – upgrading of the entire area, with the introduction of new uses and appropriate traffic arrangements. The aim to introduce an appropriate infrastructure to serve the needs of the area throughout the year, given the increased number of visitors during the summer months. Consequently, the restoration of the Windmills area will contribute to the overall decongestion and upgrading of the center of Mykonos. At the same time, the study provides for the upgrading of the area through the promotion of its existing features of natural beauty and archaeological importance.

With the new space arrangements, the access and accommodation of visitors in the Windmills area will be upgraded. The existing parking lot will be improved, and sidewalks, paths and seating areas will be created, giving the possibility to all visitors to enjoy the Windmills. Leisure, parking, and green areas are outlined, ensuring functionality and respect for the particular profile of the area. The restoration per se aims at preserving the aesthetics of the wider area, its monumental character, and natural beauty.

The whole restoration process is taking place under the supervision of the competent archaeological service -whereas natural materials and working methods have been chosen in order to avoid altering the environment.

The unique design and meticulous construction will benefit both the residents and visitors to the island, as the Municipality will preserve and upgrade the public space along with the long-standing unique monuments.

The main guidelines included the study are the following:

 Parking lot landscaping, pedestrian and vehicle access.

 Leisure – rest areas.

 Configuration of the Windmill complex surrounding area and construction of a new perimeter fence.

 Town entrance signs.

 Soil Reinforcement and Consolidation.

The restoration and path design are based on the introduction of simple shapes and geometries, adapted to the existing terrain. The proposed improvements aim at serving the visitors, who come in large numbers, especially during the summer months, and have great expectations from an island like Mykonos, wishing to visit its landmarks, one of which is the Windmills.

The materials provided are environmentally friendly, compatible with the climatic conditions of the Cyclades, and have been selected for their simplicity, high aesthetics, and low maintenance requirements. In addition, since the study area, like most of the public spaces in Mykonos, lacks green areas and planting in general, individual small green areas/points are proposed that will improve the area profile and offer scent and color throughout the year. Therefore, low creeping vegetation is proposed that suits and endures the climate of the island and the sea such as lavender, rosemary, lantana, oleaginous, and viburnum.