Abandoned Greek Airport Transforms Into Futuristic Smart City

A new smart city complex is set to rise on the site of the former Hellinikon airport in southern Greece, transforming the once-abandoned airfield into a vibrant urban hub. 

The Hellenikon Metropolitan Park, also known as The Ellinikon, will feature cutting-edge entertainment venues, business centers, residential buildings, and green spaces, just a 20-minute drive from Athens. This project aims to embody the 15-minute city concept, where all essential amenities are within easy reach, including parks, marinas, hospitality sites, health care and education facilities.

The Ellinikon will be one of Europe’s newest smart cities, complete with 6,200 acres dedicated to urban living and a further 600 acres for green spaces.

The urban redevelopment project was meant to begin in the mid-2000s but the plans were shelved due to the global economic crash, which hit Greece hard.

The Ellinikon project is now well underway, with its developers promising a “state-of-the-art smart district that pioneers the future of home, work, and entertainment.” Utilizing cutting-edge technology, the project aims to deliver sustainability and serve the needs of future generations.

The project is being led by Athens-based real estate group LAMDA Development.

Residential parts of the project, including the Little Athens neighborhood will be completed by the end of 2026.

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Ellinikon will leverage “citizen-centric” technology solutions, including citywide 5G, public Wi-Fi and smart energy management.

The team behind the project claims that all buildings will host smart systems that will “guarantee unique comfort and energy efficiency.”

Those systems include IoT sensors to monitor the city’s water flow, an underground network designed to maximize local renewable energy production and smart mobility offerings such as e-bikes and scooters.

City operators will create digital twins to help manage resources and adopt IoT and AI tech to safeguard local habitats.

Citizens will also have access to an app to report property damage, pay bills and even hire private chefs.

“Integrating the most advanced technologies, including IoT, AI analytics, ultra-high speed fiber optics network and full 5G, Smart Ellinikon aims to provide a digitally assisted everyday life to its residents and employees, and a memorable experience to its visitors,” according to the project’s website.

A recent milestone saw the foundations for the Riviera Tower, the city's centerpiece, being laid.

Built using construction techniques utilized to build some of the world’s tallest buildings, including the Burj Khalifa, Riviera Tower will serve as the landmark for the new city, providing views of the Aegean Sea and Athens.

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