Construction begins in Athens of ‘largest project in Mediterranean’

·

Greece’s prime minister on Friday inaugurated the start of construction work on a long-delayed major development project at the prime seaside site of the old Athens airport.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis hailed the start of work as a major step in the implementation of what he described as “possibly the largest project in the Mediterranean.” After his brief speech on site, bulldozers began pulling down one of the more than 200 abandoned buildings.

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis wearing a helmet and plastic glasses stands at the old airport in Athens, Friday, July 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

The development of the 620-hectare (1,500-acre) Hellenikon site was a key element of the privatization drive that was part of Greece’s international bailouts. The country received billions in emergency loans to tackle a catastrophic financial crisis, but had to pass sweeping structural reforms and privatizations in return.

The revamping of the airport has been tied up in court cases for nearly two decades, with critics of the project citing environmental and heritage concerns. Ancient cemeteries and a prehistoric settlement have been found in the area. In 2018, the Supreme Court approved the project.

The old airport site was sold to a consortium led by Greek Lamda Development, which has planned an 8 billion-euro investment, including a park, housing, shopping areas, a marina, hotels and a beach that will be freely accessible.

Mitsotakis said the development would lead to the creation of 80,000 jobs and the project would be environmentally friendly and guarantee access for all residents of the wider Athens region.

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, left, speak as CEO of Lamda Development Odisseas Athanasiou listens him during the demolition of the first abandoned buildings at the old airport in Athens, Friday, July 3, 2020.

“Today we make a start, but there is a long road ahead of us,” Mitsotakis said, noting that it could take 10 years for the development to be completed.

Of the new jobs to be created by the project, around 10,000 are expected to be generated during the construction phase, Mitsotakis said.

“It will be a modern, ecological project that is friendly towards the environment,” Mitsotakis said. “A project that will symbolize the new Greece, as I believe we all envisage it.”

Sourced By: Associated Press

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Meet the Greeks among Australia’s top Green Energy players

A list of the 100 Top Green Energy Players in Australia has been released, and among the names are at least two Greek Australians.

Ange Kenos calls on the Greek community to donate blood and save lives

Melbourne donor Ange Kenos, 68, is calling for the Greek community to consider donating as it might save someone’s life.

‘The Aegean’ film in the mix for the 2025 AACTA Awards

The Australian independent film The Aegean is making waves in the 2025 AACTA Awards, securing nominations in major categories.

Labor’s Helen Politis elected Deputy Mayor of Merri-bek City Council

Labor's Helen Politis has been elected as Deputy Mayor of Merri-bek, marking a significant step for the seasoned community advocate.

Mario Christodoulou to executive produce ABC’s Media Watch

Award-winning investigative reporter Mario Christodoulou will become executive producer on the ABC's Media Watch program.

You May Also Like

Westpac alleged fraud leaves trail of forged signatures, false documents

Westpac says at least seven major corporate customers including Coles, Woolworths, Veolia and WesTrac have been caught up in an alleged fraud.

Bill Stingas hopes his father’s death from COVID will encourage others to get vaccinated

Bill Stingas hopes his father Leon Stingas' death from COVID-19 will encourage others to get vaccinated in Victoria.

Sturt Street Community School in South Australia celebrates 140 years

"Back to Sturt Street School." That's the topic with which Sturt Street School in central Adelaide will celebrate its 140th Anniversary.