Greece Issues License for First Skyscraper

Photo source: lamdadev.com

Greece’s Development & Investments Minister Adonis Georgiadis announced on Wednesday that a license for the construction of the country’s first skyscraper, the Riviera Tower at The Ellinikon had been issued paving the way for the multi-billion-euro project to move ahead.

The permit concerns the Riviera Tower, designed by award-winning British architectural design firm Foster + Partners, and set to be the highest building in Greece at almost 200 meters erected along the coast.

Georgiadis said works on the tower are expected to kick off in the next weeks.

The project will be undertaken by Lamda Development as part of The Ellinikon project, one of Europe’s largest urban development projects set to breathe new life into the Athenian Riviera and the Attica region.

According to the development ministry, more than 1,900 plans were evaluated during the “complex” licensing procedure which required approvals from several bodies, including the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority, the Central Architectural Council, the Fire Brigade etc as well as from relevant ministries.

Photo source: lamdadev.com

It will be erected along the Agios Kosmas Marina and its 200 “smart” apartments will all have panoramic views to the sea, Lamda has said, adding that the company is aiming to establish the tower as a world architectural landmark and a model of sustainable design incorporating best environmental practices and the latest in international safety protocols

“Another important step towards the rapid completion of the first phase of The Ellinikon has been completed,” said Lamda Development CEO Odisseas Athanasiou.

According to previous announcements by Lamda Development, the Riviera Tower is one of six high-rise buildings to go up at The Ellinikon.

Lamda has also announced the creation of The Ellinikon Park – a part of The Ellinikon – to be created on the premises of Athens’ former airport near Glyfada, set to cost approximately 250 million euros and to become Europe’s largest coastal park.