After very long delays to redevelop Athens’ former airport into a multipurpose hub named “Hellinikon,” the project has finally received the green light by the highest administrative court of Greece.
The Council of State rejected petitions by area residents and ecological organisations, who called for the cancellation of a presidential decree approving the comprehensive development plan for the Park, which will extend over nearly 700 hectares.
The nearly 550 residents of the areas adjacent to the Park and the ecological organizations also called for the cancellation of the provisions in the decree allowing six high-rise buildings on the park (max. height of 200 meters), which are to serve as landmarks.
In its ruling, the Council of State said the presidential decree does not violate constitutional regulations protecting the natural and cultural environment, and it rejected the claim that the Park will downgrade the environment and living conditions on adjacent areas, especially on the coastal section of the project.
Following a ministerial meeting this week with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Development & Investments Minister Adonis Georgiadis announced he would be re-examining a joint ministerial decision which has stalled the 8-billion-euro project as well as take all the necessary steps for the finalization of the pending casino license.
Georgiadis said he had been appointed by the Prime Minister to oversee the coordination and implementation of the major investment along the Athenian Riviera expected to create some 10,000 jobs and generate millions of euros in state revenue.
“The goal is to address any obstacle preventing the immediate commencement of this work as soon as possible,” said the new investments minister, adding that “the Prime Minister’s mandate must be implemented.”
*Sources: AMNA and GTP Headlines
