Greece has embarked on an ambitious project to transform the old Athens airport into a thriving commercial and residential district.

The Ellinikon is a groundbreaking urban redevelopment initiative located on the historic grounds of the former International Airport.

The project designers are hoping to redefine the urban landscape by blending innovation, sustainability, and culture to create a vibrant, forward-thinking community.

The area will feature cutting-edge residences, dynamic shopping districts, as well as business centres and entertainment venues. 

The redevelopment is expected to cost an eye-watering €8billion (£6.74bn) and promises to dramatically transform the landscape along the south coast of Athens. 

The project will take 15 years to complete and will be done so in several phases.

Most of the phase one developments will be finished and open to the public by the end of 2026.

By that time, the developers hope to have completed the construction of essential transportation and operational infrastructure.

They also plan to have built two new shopping malls, along with new hotels and residential buildings.

One such building is a 200-metre tall skyscraper, which when finished will be the highest seaside residential multi-story complex in the Mediterranean.

Developers say the Riviera Tower will reach a height of 78 metres by the end of September.

The Ellinikon project will have huge social and economic benefits for Greece.

It is expected to contribute 2.4 percent to the Greek GDP, and over €14bn (£12bn) in state tax revenues.

Some 70-80,000 new jobs will also be created by this ambitious redevelopment, according to the developers.

The public can already visit the Experience Park that covers an area of 280 acres and includes 500 trees as well as roughly 55,000 plants.

By its completion, Ellinikon will have a 600-acre park with 50km of scenic walkways and cycle tracks.

In addition there will be one kilometre of newly landscaped public beach for sunbathers and swimmers to enjoy.