The tender for the relocation of Korydallos Prison to Aspropyrgos, a project worth €760 million, is entering a new phase.
This new infrastructure is a top priority for the central government, although the Municipality of Aspropyrgos has filed a lawsuit against the project (for which a trial date has not yet been set).
Beyond modernizing the correctional system, the relocation of the prisons aims to relieve overcrowding in Western Attica and is of particular interest to investors.
A few days ago, the competitive dialogue in the second phase of the tender with the bidders was completed to finalize the technical specifications. Furthermore, it is expected that the Ministry of Environment and Energy will grant final approval of the environmental study for the project in the coming weeks.
It should be noted that the Attica Regional Council recently approved by a majority vote the opinion on the Environmental Impact Study for the construction of the Judicial Correctional Facility in Aspropyrgos, which will be implemented through a PPP.
Strong interest
A total of four investment consortia are participating in the relevant tender: GEK TERNA, AVAX, METKA ( Metlen Group), and AKTOR Concessions. The groups’ interest is strong. In addition to the construction component, the contract will have a 30-year duration, serving as a long-term revenue source for the contractor.
The total duration of the PPP project has been set at 30 years, of which the first 4 years will cover the construction period and the remaining 26 years the operation and maintenance period. If the contract is signed by the end of 2026—which is the Superfund’s goal—then the new building complex could be completed by the end of 2030.
The complex is planned to be built in the“Lakkos Goritsas”area in Aspropyrgos, within the grounds of the former NATO base (former U.S. military camp). The total area of the property is approximately 180 acres, a significant portion of which will be occupied by the building complexes and courtyards, while safety zones will be established around the perimeter.
According to recent statements by Panagiotis Stamboulidis, CEO of the Superfund, the project is considered particularly challenging, and difficulties have arisen regarding technical issues, as solutions had to be found for safety concerns, parking spaces, and other critical infrastructure.
“Before 2026 is out, we will have completed the second phase of the tender, and in 2027, construction crews will begin work on the project,” Mr. Stamboulidis noted.
New Battles
Meanwhile, residents of Aspropyrgos are preparing for new battles, as they oppose government plans to relocate the Korydallos Prison to their area.
In a recent radio interview, the Mayor of Aspropyrgos, Yiannis Ilias, emphasized that the proposed site is located very close to residential areas, a fact which, as he noted, raises serious safety concerns.
At the same time, he warned of further increases in traffic congestion, emphasizing that Aspropyrgos is already facing increased pressure due to intense activity in the logistics sector.
“The Municipality has already challenged the siting decision in the Council of State and will take further legal action regarding the approved study,” the Mayor stressed, noting that there will be vigorous protests as soon as concrete steps toward the project’s implementation emerge.