Athens Riviera Summit: The new face and the major projects in the Athenian Riviera – When the USA rediscovered Greece
Correspondence from the Athens Riviera Summit 2024: NouPou, the Chief Local Media Sponsor of the event, is reporting on what is taking place at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Athens in Vouliagmeni, where the first Conference of the Athenian Riviera is being held.
- 18/06/2024
Reflecting on the rich history of the Athenian Riviera, Minister of State Makis Voridis addressed the Athens Riviera Summit 2024. “The Athenian Riviera is not a new concept. Its roots can be traced back to the 1920s. We are discussing a place of undeniable beauty, spanning from Athens to Sounio. This entire coastal stretch, with its natural splendor, profound cultural heritage, and ties to significant historical events from antiquity to the present, has long been a vision of how to develop and reshape this area. Numerous attempts were made, but these ideas failed to gain significant traction. The ‘Asteria of Glyfada’ marked the initial steps of redevelopment at that time. However, it faced challenges and did not progress as intended,” the minister noted.
Mr. Voridis highlighted the comparative advantages of the Athens coastal front, including its proximity to the center of Athens, near the port of Piraeus, with transportation connections, and noted that “it has an amazing sea as well as a rich tourist and cultural imprint.”
Big projects on the Athenian Riviera
“The redevelopment includes the Riviera Tower, a model of sustainable design fully integrated with the Mediterranean landscape, as well as a complex for people with disabilities covering an area of 11,500 square meters, a property symbol of inclusive living, the undergrounding of Poseidonos Avenue, and one of the most modern tunnels in Europe. Also,part of the projects includes the revival of streams, the delineation of the Trachonon stream, the minimization of waste production, and the revitalization of the ecosystem. The Ellinikon Commercial Hub, will be one of the largest centers in southern Europe with a retail park, a mixed-use tower, and offices. Let’s not forget, the sports center will be covering an area of 444,000 square meters. The design follows top standards to cover various sports needs,” the Minister of State mentioned.
Mr. Voridis did not only focus on Elliniko, as he also referred to the recent inauguration of the Vouliagmeni Marina, noting that it is one of the most beautiful marinas in the southeastern Mediterranean with 60 berths. He also mentioned the construction project with an investment of 220 million euros, called Apollo Hills, by Henderson Park and Hines, the creation of the ultra-luxury Glamping in Voula, as well as the 22-kilometer bike path and pedestrian walkway from Moschato to the Varis, Voula, Vouliagmeni municipality. Additionally, he talked about the upgrade of the Alimos Marina with 1,100 berths, the revival of the Asteria Glyfadas, the redevelopment of the Faliron Bay, the redevelopment of Koumoundourou Coast, and the creation of Saronida Golf, an investment of 880 million euros.
“We understand that this is a network of projects and investments that are changing the face of the coastal front,” Mr. Voridis pointed out. “That is why we need a strong will to advance all these issues,” he added.
George Tsunis: The USA has rediscovered Greece
On his part, the Ambassador of the United States in Athens, George Tsunis, said that the Asteras Vouliagmeni, an investment of approximately half a billion euros, paved the way to change the coastal front. “I don’t know if One & Only would have come if Asteras didn’t exist,” he said.
“Greece was at risk of being kicked out of the Eurozone. And today it is where it is. And that is a huge achievement. The level of cooperation between Greece and the USA is at its best. It promotes stability, prosperity, and investments. The USA has rediscovered Greece. Apart from the revival of the real estate market, no one would want to go anywhere else but stay in this country. All major companies like Pfizer and others have discovered Greece. Greece has exceptional high-level people and human resources. Investors and businesses are looking for this human capital,” he said.
The US Ambassador emphasized that in an area desperately seeking stability, Greece is the partner that the US is looking for. “No one looks at Greece only to gain short-term benefits. I have been in this position for 26 months, and I understand that Greece is a serious and reliable partner.”