The government of Greece will speed up its regulatory process so a long-stalled casino resort at a vacant Athens airport can finally begin, reportedly by the end of the year, Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis said last week.
The plan calls for Lamda Development to turn the abandoned Hellenikon Airport in Athens into an 8 billion € (US$8.97 billion) complex that includes not just gaming and hotels but luxury residences and a yachting marina.
According to Reuters, the project is part of a post-bailout agreement between Greece and its lenders. Critics say it will damage the environment and the country’s cultural heritage, the news agency reported.
After conservatives won a parliamentary election earlier this month, Georgiadis said the ministry would hasten the licensing process so Lamda can secure a lease from the state and start construction. The July 31 deadline for construction bidders will be delayed.
The new government pledged to cut taxes and boost investments to jumpstart the economy, which contracted by 25 percent during a longstanding debt crisis.
