Greece Transforms Abandoned Airport into $8 Billion Smart City: A Glimpse at Ellinikon

Greece is embarking on an ambitious project to construct Europe's largest and greenest smart city near Athens. Named Ellinikon, this $8 billion venture aims to redefine urban living with advanced technology and eco-friendly infrastructure. Situated on the former Ellinikon International Airport site, the development is set to include Greece's first skyscraper, a luxury shopping mall, and a sprawling sports park.

Greece Transforms Abandoned Airport into $8 Billion Smart City: A Glimpse at Ellinikon
Greece Transforms Abandoned Airport into $8 Billion Smart City: A Glimpse at Ellinikon

Greece is embarking on an ambitious project to construct Europe's largest and greenest smart city near Athens. Named Ellinikon, this $8 billion venture aims to redefine urban living with advanced technology and eco-friendly infrastructure. Situated on the former Ellinikon International Airport site, the development is set to include Greece's first skyscraper, a luxury shopping mall, and a sprawling sports park.

The project, which has been over a decade in the making, promises to be a "zip-code paradise," according to its developers. They envision a seamless blend of scenic coastal views and cutting-edge amenities. The first phase of Ellinikon, expected to be completed by 2026, is projected to attract a million new tourists and inject 3.3 billion euros ($3.6 billion) into the Greek economy.

Construction of Ellinikon finally commenced in July 2020 after numerous delays caused by the global financial crisis, which had severely impacted the Greek economy. The site, located just 4 miles south of Athens, offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea, with developers prioritizing the regeneration of the two-mile coastal front.

The Cove Residences, a series of luxury villas, marked the beginning of the project's construction last year. Lamda Development, one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential companies, has already sold 350 coastal-front properties and is planning to develop another site named Little Athens, featuring 1,115 additional residential units.

A significant highlight of the Ellinikon project is the Riviera Tower, which will become Greece's tallest building and first skyscraper upon completion. The tower, currently under construction, will stand approximately 650 feet tall, comprising 180 apartments spread across 50 floors. Developers have described it as the "crown jewel" of Ellinikon.

In addition to residential and commercial developments, Ellinikon will also feature a large coastal park. The idea of transforming the abandoned airport site into a metropolitan park has been in consideration since 2005. Covering an area of 650 acres, the park will be comparable in size to Alley Pond Park in Queens, New York City.

The Ellinikon Experience Center, which opened in 2022, is another notable aspect of the project. Housed in a restored hangar from the old airport, the center aims to celebrate the site's history while showcasing some of the eco-friendly technologies that will be integral to the smart city.

Moreover, the Riviera Galleria, a high-end shopping district adjacent to the Riviera Tower, is a priority for Lamda and other contractors. According to Retail Insight Network, the galleria will host 70 leading fashion brands, enhancing Ellinikon's appeal as a luxury destination.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently visited Ellinikon to mark the opening of Lamda's first completed building, a center for disabled individuals. Mitsotakis has emphasized boosting Greece's economy as one of his primary goals, and Ellinikon is expected to play a crucial role in achieving this objective.

Despite the positive outlook, not all Athenians are enthusiastic about Ellinikon. Some residents fear the project will transform Athens into a "mini-Dubai" dominated by mega-yachts and casinos, while others are concerned about the demolition of historic buildings associated with the old airport.

Overall, Ellinikon represents a significant step towards modernizing Athens and revitalizing the Greek economy. With its blend of luxury living, cutting-edge technology, and environmental consciousness, Ellinikon aims to set a new standard for urban development in Europe.