A £6billion project to transform Athens' abandoned international airport into a 'green city by the sea' has been criticised by locals who fear it will become 'a playground for the uber rich'. The Ellinikon, dubbed 'Europe's largest urban regeneration project', will cover 1,500 acres and include a huge mall, luxury housing, hotels, offices, a casino, restaurants, and a marina for mega-yachts.
Locals fear loss of identity
Some residents have slammed the plans as 'tacky' and worry the area will lose its identity. Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2024, local resident Peppy Koliakakou argued that 'all Greekness will be wiped out', adding that there are concerns that 'this is a playground for the uber rich'. She went on to say: 'I am worried that this will tarnish Athens and that it will turn the area into a tacky, mini Dubai.'
Social media posters have also given mixed views. Some praised the opening of new facilities, but one poster said of a tall building along the skyline: 'We saw the skyscraper from the Acropolis and it does block a sweeping view of the sea', adding 'I thought the low height uniformity of the city was nice before.' Another commented: 'The tower looks so out of place but at least the old airport area will be better and bring more people to the area.'
Car-free design and new transport links
The former Ellinikon airport, which closed in 2001, will become a car-free '15 minute city' with environmentally sustainable buildings. The plan includes a newly landscaped stretch of beach just over half a mile in length, over 30 miles of pathways and cycle tracks, tramlines, and two new metro stations connecting it to the rest of Athens.
Riviera Tower and Ellinikon Mall
The centerpiece is the Riviera Tower, which at 200 metres high will become Greece's tallest building, offering 51 storeys of luxury apartments and penthouses with views across the Athens Riviera. There will also be two towers for a new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino development, an office tower, and The Ellinikon Mall, which will be the largest in Greece with over 340 shops and restaurants over four floors, plus outdoor dining spaces and a cinema complex.
Developers believe the area will draw in one million tourists a year and create 85,000 new jobs for Athens. Currently, The Ellinikon Sports Park and The Ellinikon Experience Park are open to the public, along with an Experience Centre where visitors can see interactive exhibitions about the future of Ellinikon, though they need to book a free ticket in advance.
