From Industry to Culture: The Nasioutzik Thermoelectric Plant Reimagined
Published on
23/07/2025
About this challenge
Greece
Challenge description
The Municipality of Serres is envisioning the transformation of the Nasioutzik Thermoelectric Plant, a historically significant industrial building, into a vibrant cultural landmark. Built in the early 20th century and listed as a monument in 2008, the plant stands as a striking example of industrial architecture, with distinctive morphological and structural features that reflect its unique historical identity. Despite its importance, the building remains inactive – a disconnected remnant within the urban fabric, vulnerable to decay.
Recognizing its potential, the General Urban Plan designates the site as a future Cultural Hub, aiming to breathe new life into the structure through adaptive reuse and reintegration into civic life. The project reimagines industrial heritage as a catalyst for cultural regeneration and urban revitalization.
This vision builds on the Municipality’s prior experience with the Contemporary Art Museum “Constantin Xenakis”, housed in a listed building of the former Papaloukas military camp. Developed within the INTERREG Greece–Bulgaria programme, this nearly zero-emission facility transformed an inactive site into an accessible cultural destination, exemplifying our ongoing commitment to culture-led urban renewal and sustainable development.
The current initiative aims to:
• Preserve the plant’s architectural integrity while integrating sustainable, energy-efficient and climate-resilient design
• Create spaces for exhibitions, workshops, creative expression, and community engagement
• Reconnect the building with the city’s social life by ensuring accessibility for diverse groups
• Highlight how historic industrial sites in peripheral areas can drive regeneration
The project embodies the values of the New European Bauhaus:
Sustainability, through adaptive reuse and climate-sensitive renovation
Aesthetics, by enhancing the site's architectural character
Inclusion, through the creation of open, creative, and educational cultural spaces
Recognizing its potential, the General Urban Plan designates the site as a future Cultural Hub, aiming to breathe new life into the structure through adaptive reuse and reintegration into civic life. The project reimagines industrial heritage as a catalyst for cultural regeneration and urban revitalization.
This vision builds on the Municipality’s prior experience with the Contemporary Art Museum “Constantin Xenakis”, housed in a listed building of the former Papaloukas military camp. Developed within the INTERREG Greece–Bulgaria programme, this nearly zero-emission facility transformed an inactive site into an accessible cultural destination, exemplifying our ongoing commitment to culture-led urban renewal and sustainable development.
The current initiative aims to:
• Preserve the plant’s architectural integrity while integrating sustainable, energy-efficient and climate-resilient design
• Create spaces for exhibitions, workshops, creative expression, and community engagement
• Reconnect the building with the city’s social life by ensuring accessibility for diverse groups
• Highlight how historic industrial sites in peripheral areas can drive regeneration
The project embodies the values of the New European Bauhaus:
Sustainability, through adaptive reuse and climate-sensitive renovation
Aesthetics, by enhancing the site's architectural character
Inclusion, through the creation of open, creative, and educational cultural spaces
This city is looking for
We are particularly interested in connecting with professionals and municipalities across Europe who have experience in the cultural reuse of industrial heritage, energy-efficient renovation of historic buildings, and inclusive cultural programming. Our city would greatly benefit from shared expertise in how to preserve architectural identity while integrating sustainable design, create accessible cultural spaces that foster community engagement, and develop viable models for managing and sustaining cultural hubs aligned with the values of the New European Bauhaus.
City size
Small city (50k to 250k inhabitants)
Author
Athina Kokkinidou
Greece
Public servant
Municipality of Serres
