The Former Athens International Airport Has Become Greece’s Premier 15-Minute City Initiative

The Ellinikon, a €8 billion project led by LAMDA Development, is transforming 6.2 million sq. m. into a sustainable, self-sufficient zone where work, housing, leisure, and services are within a 15-minute walk- or bike ride, featuring a vast coastal park and integrated smart technology. The Former Athens International Airport Has Become Greece’s Premier 15-Minute City Initiative

The Ellinikon is taking shape on the Athenian Riviera. Work on the site began after the airport closed in 2001, with initial plans drawn up in 2012. The first building, a Care Center for People with Disabilities, was completed in 2023. Construction across the wider site is ongoing, with new districts and facilities expected to open in phases over the coming years.

One of the challenges facing residents of urban centers is the long daily commute. The time spent in cars or on public transportation to get to work, run daily errands, or simply go out diminishes their quality of life. For example, in 2024, drivers in Athens spent an average of 111 hours stuck in traffic. At the same time, people’s reliance on motorized vehicles increases the environmental footprint in big cities.

Ellinikon is designed so residents can reach work, shopping, health care, education, and recreation within 15 minutes by walking, cycling, or public transportation.

The development spans 3.5 kilometers of coastline and is set to include more than 8,000 homes, office space, hotels, retail areas, a marina, and one of Europe’s largest coastal parks. The former airport site, which had been largely unused and environmentally degraded, is being redeveloped into a mixed-use urban district with a focus on accessibility and sustainability.

This approach limits the use of cars, motorcycles, and public transportation while promoting walking and micromobility, meaning transportation with soft means, such as bikes or electric scooters. To this end, 15-minute cities prioritize pedestrian zones, bike lanes, and sidewalks rather than freeways and highways.

Ellinikon features a 2-million-square-meter Metropolitan Park, green spaces covering 70% of the area, and sustainable infrastructure, including rain gardens and smart, energy-efficient building systems.

***************************
Related: Smart City Sweden
***************************

The Ellinikon Riviera
forms the development’s coastal edge. It features a continuous 1 km public beach, along with walking paths, gardens, and open spaces. The waterfront is designed for accessibility, with areas for relaxation, sports, and social activities. Promenades and pedestrian links connect the coastline to the central park and surrounding neighborhoods.

An early version of the 15-minute city was implemented in 1994 in Poundbury, England, with an urban design focused on easy access to public services. In 2016, architect Carlos Moreno introduced the 15-minute city concept in France, and it gained global prominence following the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, it is promoted by C40 Cities, a network of 97 mayors from cities worldwide, including Athens and Copenhagen, to address the climate crisis.

The 15-minute system uses a central digital platform to manage traffic, water, and energy, as well as apps that connect residents to city services.

Hospitality, retail, and lifestyle

Several hospitality projects are planned across the Ellinikon. The Mandarin Oriental Athens will include a hotel and branded residences along the waterfront. The Marina Hotel and Residences will offer additional accommodations near the marina, with direct access to restaurants, shops, and leisure areas.

There are approximately 2.5 to 3 million cars in the Athens Metropolitan Area, i.e., the area that includes Athens, Piraeus, and their suburbs. According to estimates of the area’s residents:

• 53% use their cars for transportation.
• 35% use public transport.
• 8% go to work on foot.
• 1-2% ride a bike.

These figures reflect the frustration experienced by both drivers and pedestrians, as the space intended for them is constantly shrinking. It is clear that radical solutions are needed to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

Broader Vision

The model, highlighted as a key future urban strategy in Greece, aims to reduce car use, improve well-being, and combat the impacts of climate change by promoting sustainable, active transportation.

The Former Athens International Airport Has Become Greece’s Premier 15-Minute City Initiative, Tor Kjolberg reporting.
All images © LAMDA Development.