Pic Credit: meconstructionnews.com
The Riviera Tower, a centerpiece of The Ellinikon project, has reached its 25th floor, marking a significant milestone in Europe’s largest urban regeneration project. Standing at 113 meters, the tower is now halfway to its final height of 200 meters with 50 floors. Upon completion in Q1 2026, it will become Greece’s tallest building and a symbol of modern luxury living.
The Ellinikon, developed by LAMDA Development, is transforming the former site of the Ellinikon International Airport into a sustainable smart city. The project encompasses residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, including the upcoming Riviera Galleria and The Ellinikon Sports Park. With over 40 active construction sites, 2,500 workers, and 18 main contractors, the development is advancing rapidly.
Designed by Foster + Partners, the Riviera Tower will feature 169 residences, including one- to five-bedroom apartments and penthouses, all offering stunning views of the Athenian Riviera. The tower is a residential landmark and a testament to sustainable construction, aligning with The Ellinikon’s commitment to environmental stewardship.
The project is setting new standards in sustainable urban development. It has already achieved the SITES Gold certification for its Experience Park and is using innovative low-carbon materials, such as Holcim’s ECOPact and ECOPlanet, in construction. The Ellinikon aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions and repurpose 100% of existing materials, demonstrating a holistic approach to urban regeneration.
Other key developments are also progressing. The Riviera Galleria, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, is taking shape with its first floor now visible from Poseidonos Avenue. Spanning 22,000 square meters, it is expected to open in Q4 2026 as a premier shopping and dining destination. Meanwhile, The Ellinikon Sports Park is on track to partially open to athletes by late 2025, with the majority of its 287,000 square meters open to the public in 2026.
As The Ellinikon continues to take shape, it promises to redefine urban living in Athens, blending luxury, sustainability, and innovation. This milestone highlights the project’s steady progress and underscores Greece’s leap toward modern, sustainable urban development.
Project Milestones and Progress
| Project Component | Milestone/Status | Expected Completion |
| Riviera Tower | Reached 25th floor, 113 meters, halfway to 200 meters | Q1 2026 |
| Riviera Galleria | First floor visible, 22,000 sqm | Q4 2026 |
| The Ellinikon Sports Park | Foundations laid, partial opening for athletes | Late 2025 (partial), 2026 |
Background on The Ellinikon
The Ellinikon is a transformative urban redevelopment project located on the site of the former Ellinikon International Airport in Athens, Greece. Spanning 6.2 million square meters, it is Europe’s largest urban regeneration effort, aiming to create a smart, green city along the Athens Riviera. The project integrates residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, designed to enhance connectivity with Athens’ public transport network and promote walkability.
LAMDA Development, the project’s lead developer, has partnered with global firms like Foster + Partners for the Riviera Tower and Kengo Kuma for the Riviera Galleria. The project also involves significant infrastructure developments, such as the remediation of over 20,000 square meters of contaminated land and the creation of urban green spaces like the Trachones stream regeneration.
Sustainability Achievements
Sustainability is at the core of The Ellinikon’s vision. The project employs Holcim’s low-carbon solutions, including over 300,000 cubic meters of ECOPact concrete, and operates Greece’s first 100% electric ready-mix trucks. The Ellinikon Experience Park, opened in December 2021, earned the SITES Gold sustainability certification in February 2024, making it the first new construction project in Europe to achieve this honor. The development also focuses on resource efficiency, with plans to repurpose all construction materials and use reclaimed water for park irrigation.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The Ellinikon is poised to reshape Athens’ economy and global image. Strategic partnerships with investors like the Olayan Group and Brook Lane Capital have driven over €250 million in investments for malls and energy sectors. The project has attracted significant interest, with property sales generating nearly €1 billion by October 2024, surpassing targets ahead of schedule. The Ellinikon Experience Park has welcomed 1.5 million visitors since its opening, and the project has been featured in over 1,500 global media articles, highlighting its role as a new landmark for Greece.
Future Developments
Beyond the Riviera Tower, The Ellinikon is advancing multiple projects under its Phase 1 timeline. The Riviera Galleria, a 22,000-square-meter commercial hub, will offer a curated mix of Greek and international brands, with completion expected in Q4 2026. The Ellinikon Sports Park, spanning 287,000 square meters within a 2-million-square-meter metropolitan park, will begin serving athletes in late 2025, with broader public access in 2026. Other planned developments include the Vouliagmenis Mall, a mixed-use tower, coastal villas, and a hotel by TEMES in the Marina of Agios Kosmas.
As The Ellinikon progresses, it continues to set benchmarks for urban regeneration, combining cutting-edge design, environmental responsibility, and economic growth. The completion of the Riviera Tower’s 25th floor is a testament to the project’s momentum and its vision to create a world-class destination on the Athens Riviera.
