The European Commission introduces a novel initiative to boost internet adoption in the domain of construction.
The Ellinikon urban development project, located in Athens, Greece, is a transformative endeavour that is currently under construction. This expansive initiative, spanning 620 hectares of the former Ellinikon Airport site on the Attic Riviera, aims to create a sustainable "smart city" by mid-2026 [1][2][3][5].
At the heart of Ellinikon lies a 263-hectare coastal park, larger than London's Hyde Park, offering green and leisure spaces [1][3]. The project's icon, the Riviera Tower, is also under construction and is expected to be completed early in 2026, standing tall at 200 meters [1][2].
The Ellinikon Mall, designed by AEDAS architects, is another key component. With 100,000 sq.m. of leasable retail space, it aspires to be the largest and most modern retail destination in Greece and Southern Europe [5].
Sustainable and smart city principles are integral to Ellinikon. The project aims for LEED certification, rainwater reuse, and green infrastructure, seeking to redefine urban living and connectivity in Athens [1][3].
However, the project faces criticism over social and environmental issues. Concerns about gentrification have arisen as many luxury apartments have been sold to foreign investors, making them largely unaffordable for most Athenians [1][4]. Ongoing construction has also caused dust, noise, and night-time disturbance for nearby residents, and workers have gone on strike citing unsafe conditions [1][4].
Politically and economically, Ellinikon is seen as a symbol of renewal after Greece’s debt crisis, but questions remain about who will ultimately benefit from its development—the local population or outside investors [1][4].
Despite these challenges, Ellinikon is poised to attract international visitors with two large shopping centres, the Vouliagmenis Mall and the Riviera Galleria. The Integrated Casino Resort, realised together with Hard Rock International, adds to the project's allure. This includes a five-star hotel with 1,000 rooms, a gaming hall with 200 tables and 2,000 machines, a convention centre, a show theatre, a sports arena with 10,500 seats, and is estimated to generate €200 million in tax revenue per year [4].
The first completed building in Ellinikon was a centre for people with disabilities, handed over in 2023 and intended to serve as a model throughout Europe [4]. Ellinikon's future residents will be a mix of diverse communities, and the success of the project will be measured by how inclusive and accessible the city becomes [4].
In summary, Ellinikon is one of Europe's largest and most ambitious urban regeneration projects, aiming to deliver a smart, sustainable coastal city with cutting-edge infrastructure and large-scale green spaces by 2026, while navigating complex social and environmental challenges [1][3][5].
References: [1] Ellinikon: The Smart City Project in Greece. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ellinikon.gr/ [2] Ellinikon: The New Heart of Athens. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ellinikon.gr/en/ellinikon/ [3] Ellinikon: The Largest Urban Regeneration Project in Europe. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ellinikon.gr/en/ellinikon/ [4] Ellinikon: Greece's Ambitious Smart City Project. (2022, March 23). Retrieved from https://www.archdaily.com/971558/ellinikon-greeces-ambitious-smart-city-project [5] Ellinikon Mall. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ellinikonmall.gr/en/
- The Ellinikon urban development project, aside from large-scale retail destinations like the Ellinikon Mall, also promises to include home-and-garden spaces, reflecting investments in creating a diverse lifestyle for residents.
- As the Ellinikon urban development project progresses, it is worth considering the implications of real-estate investments, particularly the construction of luxury apartments that may exacerbate gentrification concerns.
- The Ellinikon urban development project, set to become one of Europe's largest sustainable cities, will not only offer a vibrant lifestyle but also contribute significantly to Greece's finance sector, generating an estimated €200 million in tax revenue per year from attractions like the Integrated Casino Resort.
