Hellenikon Project Turning into Pipe Dream Amid Approval Games

The Hellenikon project, Photo Source: Lamda Development

The multi-billion-euro Hellenikon land project on the Athenian Riviera, which ran into one more obstacle a day ago after the Central Archaeological Council (KAS) failed to decide whether the site has areas of archaeological importance has now, a day later, received the green light of another culture ministry body: the Central Council for Modern Monuments.

The development plan and environmental impact study submitted for the investment that is expected to create more than 70,000 jobs received the unanimous approval of the Modern Monuments council, which convened to examine whether the project will cause damage to modern monuments in the area.

Plans for Hellenikon, which once served as Athens’ airport and airbase, include turning it into a multi-purpose hub complete with metropolitan park, shops, offices, sports and conference facilities, luxury hotels, theme parks, museums, malls, cultural venues, health centers, educational and research facilities and marina.

Thorny issues and potential obstacles to the project – besides the possibility of archaeological characterization – include the decision on behalf of the developers to erect skyscrapers on the property, which experts say will come in contrast to Attica’s coastline architecture, as well as an appeal by residents to the forestry commission.