An abandoned airport in Greece’s capital, Athens, which closed in 2001, is undergoing a massive transformation into a new coastal city. The Ellinikon International Airport, once a bustling hub with over 10 million passengers annually, is now being revitalized with a £7.6 billion project known as the “biggest urban development project in Europe.”
The former airport site is being reimagined as a new city with luxury apartment blocks, including the Promenade Heights district featuring nine apartment buildings. The development is progressing swiftly, with completion expected by 2027 on a site three times the size of Monaco.
The new neighborhood, Promenade Heights, is designed to blend contemporary architecture with modern living, offering a unique residential experience. The city will also feature the Riviera Tower, a 200-meter-tall building set to be the tallest in Greece, accommodating 169 residents across 50 floors.
Residents of this smart city will enjoy a “15-minute city” concept, where essential services are within walking or biking distance. The focus on sustainability and healthy living includes plans for a vast park alongside residential areas.
In addition to thousands of new homes, the city will boast shopping centers, sports facilities, luxury hotels, a casino, and various entertainment venues. Anticipated to attract one million visitors annually, the development includes a public beachfront and a state-of-the-art marina for luxury yachts.
The ambitious project is set to generate around 85,000 jobs, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and resilience against climate change. The Ellinikon site has a rich history dating back to the 1930s and played a significant role in Greece’s aviation and commercial activities.
Following years of neglect, the former airport site is being revitalized to create a vibrant and modern coastal city by 2027, marking a new chapter in its storied past.
