The Deputy Prime Minister, Kostis Hatzidakis, announced today.
Kostis Hatzidakis, who is coordinating the overall redevelopment plan for the area, visited the Panathinaikos soccer stadium currently under construction in Votanikos today, where he was briefed on the progress of the work. He then proceeded to the site where construction of the new facilities for Panathinaikos’ amateur team is expected to begin shortly.
Following his visit, he made the following statement:
“Panathinaikos’ stadium in Votanikos is progressing at a very rapid pace! And it will be completed in the summer of 2027. In other words, Panathinaikos will play at this stadium in the 2027–2028 season. This is good news for Panathinaikos, good news for Greek soccer, and good news for Athens. Because this project is part of a dual revitalization effort. Around the Votanikos stadium, on an area of approximately 300 stremmata, urban regeneration projects—which are already underway and progressing—will focus on green spaces and other sports facilities, which will have a very positive impact on Athens.
Today, however, I have something else to announce on behalf of the government: We recently commissioned Anaplasi S.A. to launch an international architectural ideas competition for the redevelopment of 5,000 stremmata of the Eleonas area. According to the presidential decree, Eleonas covers an area of approximately 9,000 stremmata. We are talking about 5,000 stremmata surrounding the Panathinaikos stadium, roughly speaking, which span four different municipalities. We’re talking about a major urban regeneration project that will truly breathe new life into Athens. This project includes many green spaces. It involves relocating the bus companies from here, from Votanikos. The government remains committed to relocating them to Fyli. It also involves moving the KTEL bus station closer to the metro station, based on earlier ideas and plans. This is one of the most important projects that will unfold in the country over the coming years.
Obviously, the international architectural ideas competition is the kickoff, so to speak. This will be followed by consultations with all stakeholders, certainly including all municipalities. But this is something we owe to Athens. For many decades, Votanikos was a black hole. Starting with the Panathinaikos stadium, Votanikos is changing, Eleonas is changing, Athens is changing.”
More specifically, Kostis Hatzidakis was briefed on the construction work at Panathinaikos’ new stadium, as well as on the landscaping projects for the surrounding area, which will include more than 300 stremmata of green space and public areas.
The Deputy Prime Minister then visited the site where the new, modern sports center for Panathinaikos’ amateur division will be built and was briefed on the next milestones in the project’s implementation, following the completion of the contractor selection process and the preliminary approval of the building permit. The sports center will include an indoor gym, a training facility, and an outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool. Construction is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.
Finally, the Deputy Prime Minister visited the construction site of the Votanikos Business Park, which is being developed by DIMAND S.A. on the site of the former Athenian Paper Mill. The project involves the creation of a modern mixed-use complex, featuring workspaces, complementary amenities, and extensive green spaces. A total of 63,000 square meters will be delivered for use. The project, which will contribute to the revitalization of the wider area, is expected to be completed in the second half of 2028.