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"Green light" from Court of Audit for "AENAON" Park; contract signing set for September 2
🇬🇷 Greece /Culture & Society

"Green light" from Court of Audit for "AENAON" Park; contract signing set for September 2

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • The Court of Audit has given final approval for the construction of the "AENAON" Metropolitan Park in Phaleron Bay, Athens.
  • The contract for the project, described as one of Attica's largest urban regenerations, will be signed on September 2, 2026.
  • The project aims to create the Mediterranean's largest open park, reconnecting the city with the sea and featuring extensive green spaces and recreational facilities.

Athens is set to embark on one of its most significant urban regeneration projects with the "AENAON" Metropolitan Park, following final approval from the Court of Audit. The project, located in Phaleron Bay, has received the "green light" to proceed, paving the way for the creation of what is described as the Mediterranean's largest open park.

Regional Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, announced that the contract for the ambitious development will be signed on September 2, 2026. He emphasized the project's irreversible progression, fulfilling a commitment made by the regional authority to sign the contract in the autumn of 2026. Hardalias highlighted that the project is moving forward definitively and irrevocably, noting that the contract signing will occur on the second day of autumn.

The project is now moving forward definitively and irrevocably.

— Nikos HardaliasAnnouncing the final approval for the "AENAON" Metropolitan Park project.

Hardalias detailed the journey to this point, stating that when the current regional administration took over in January 2024, the project was "on the verge of being de-funded." He credited the restoration of the region's credibility with European institutions and the renegotiation of terms for securing a €370 million funding package from the European Commission.

On September 2, on just the second day of autumn, we will sign the contract for the creation of the largest Open Park in the Mediterranean. We committed that in the autumn of 2026 we would have the project contract. And we will have it from the second day. Because what we say, we do.

— Nikos HardaliasHighlighting the project's timeline and commitment.

The "AENAON" project, spanning 741 acres along the coast, is envisioned as a major intervention to revitalize the Phaleron Bay area. Its core elements include extensive greenery, thousands of new trees, walking and cycling paths, and facilities for sports, culture, and recreation. The park is designed to be an open, fully accessible public space, aiming to reconnect Athens with its coastline and establish a new metropolitan landmark.

According to the regional governor, the project's timeline has been accelerated. The regional authority had committed to signing the construction contract within 24 months of the public presentation in late November 2024. The process is now set to conclude in 21 months. During this period, 11 studies were completed, numerous permits were secured, tender documents were prepared, and an international tender was conducted, while also addressing objections and appeals. The project has undergone scrutiny from four institutions: the Unified Public Procurement Authority, the Council of State, the European Commission, and finally, the Court of Audit.

Now, then, the time has come that we all awaited. A 40-year dream is beginning to take shape.

— Nikos HardaliasExpressing anticipation for the project's realization.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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