Investigating the preferences of individuals in redeveloping waterfronts: The case of the port of Thessaloniki – Greece

The purpose of this study is to investigate the preferences of individuals for the redevelopment of waterfronts. To this end, the preferences of the citizens of Thessaloniki – Greece for the redevelopment of the port of Thessaloniki have been studied. The study is based on a stratified sample of 360 households and shops of Thessaloniki. The statistical method employed is regression analysis. The findings of the study suggest that out of the six options for the redevelopment of the port such as working, recreational, residential, environmental, historic and commercial, the preferences of the citizens are concentrated on the environmental redevelopment of the port. Furthermore, the study suggests that the environmental redevelopment of the port depends primarily on the development of walkways and ecological complexes. Thus, the major added value that the study brings to the literature is that of explaining and testing the relationship between the preferences of individuals and the redevelopment of waterfronts.

► Strong relationships exist between citizens’ activities and revitalization models.
► Environmental redevelopment model is the most preferred model in the area of interest.
► Findings can have direct implications for the government and local authorities.