New Decision Puts Greece’s Hellinikon Venture Back on Track

The Hellinikon project. Photo Source: thehellinikon.com

Every single intervention on the Hellinikon property no longer requires the Central Archaeological Council’s approval, according to the new decision.

The highly anticipated Hellinikon project, expected to take the Athenian Riviera to the next level, received on Wednesday, a new approval of the work plan by the Central Archaeological Council (KAS).

More specifically, under the new decision, the consortium undertaking the venture is now required to submit to the KAS only architectural and environmental studies for interventions within designated archaeological sites or within a 20-meter radius of defined landmarks and monuments.

In the effect, the new decision no longer requires KAS approval for every single intervention on the Hellinikon property, which Lamda Development, the consortium behind the 8-billion-euro plus project, said would lead to more delays.

Additionally, the transportation of a burial ground found on the premises was also approved foreseeing among others its relocation to a protected area which would not be attached to a green area in adjacent development zones.

The KAS decision also foresees that any antiquities discovered during the implementation of the project be declared and protected as well as those already existing on the grounds, as defined by Greek law.

The Hellinikon project. Photo Source: thehellinikon.com

Last month, the newly-elected government pledged it would ensure the Hellinikon project, aiming to develop Athens’ former airport complex 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, would enter the implementation phase.