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THE ABANDONED GREEK AIRPORT
The original Ellinikon International Airport served as the main airport in Greece for 63 years. Up to 20 million passengers arrived or departed through its doors annually. However, in 2001, the new Eleftherios Venizelos airport (also known as Athens International Airport) was built to support the 2004 Olympic Games. After this new airport opened, the Ellinikon International Airport was closed.
Decommissioned in part due to noise pollution and security concerns, this abandoned Greek airport became a sad symbol of the country’s economic collapse, standing empty and unused. One of Europe’s largest abandoned places, it had a partial new lease of life during the 2004 Summer Olympic Games, when it hosted venues for softball, hockey and fencing.
In a nod to the airport’s historical relevance, some of the site’s features will be preserved in its new role as a coastal park. The 1960s terminal hall, designed by the distinguished Finnish-American architect Eero Saarinen, will remain, along with the towering runway light poles. Over 300,000 square feet of concrete and tarmac from former runways will be repurposed into benches and paving and other uses.
A BEAUTIFUL NEW PARK FOR ATHENS
Designed to encourage Athenians to actively explore the area and engage with nature, some 50 kilometers of walking paths and 30 kilometers of cycle lanes will be constructed. Visitors will also be able to enjoy sculpture parks, sport centers, open-air theaters, restaurants and cafes and a public beach.
Ellinikon is aims to become to Athens what Central Park is to New York city. It is designed to change the way Athenians use public space and will contribute to the public and ecological health of the city. Set to be popular with residents and tourists alike, the sustainable metropolitan park will also benefit local businesses.
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A GREENER ATHENS
Forests and parks are the lungs of a city. They filter pollution and remove toxins from the air, reducing smog levels, improving public health and providing spaces for people to relax. They also strengthen the climate resiliency of the city. The plans for the new park have a heavy focus on sustainability, using both current and new resources to move towards a greener city.
The Ellinikon project is hailed as a ‘generational and transformational’ project for Greece by its architects Sasaki. The Boston-based firm were responsible for New York’s Greenacre Park, Charleston Waterfront Park, and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Green.
Once the park is open, carbon emissions will be minimized through the use of all-electric maintenance vehicles and organic fertilizers and pesticides.
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BENEFITTING LOCAL BUSINESSES
The project to regenerate this abandoned Greek airport has been praised by both conservationists and economists alike. It is seen as an opportunity to move away from Greece’s current reliance on tourism towards a more diverse economic base that can help boost employment across the country. While there are still many obstacles to overcome before construction begins (not least finding funding), with its breathtaking views and easy access from Athens airport via ferry, it seems likely that this coastal park will become one of Greece’s newest tourist hotspots
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DESTINATION ATHENS
Read more: Welcome to Athens, recently voted Europe’s best cultural destination