Environmental study approved for major metro depot expansion in Elaionas

The project has received environmental approval and is being developed in conjunction with the extension of Metro Line 2 toward Ilion.

The former facilities and warehouses of the Softex paper industry in Elaionas (Iera Odos & Chartergaton Street, Votanikos) are undergoing a radical transformation.

The site is being redeveloped into the Votanikos Business Park, a major bioclimatic office complex with a budget of €152.2 million, being developed by Dimand.

The project involves the conversion of former industrial premises and the construction of ten new state-of-the-art office buildings with a total surface area of 79,202 square metres, including 47,000 square metres of above-ground structures and approximately 32,000 square metres of underground facilities.

The approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment for the expansion of the Metro depot in Elaionas marks an important step toward strengthening Athens’ urban transport infrastructure and enhancing the overall operation of the Metro network.

The Elaionas depot is one of the most important technical facilities within the Athens Metro system. Critical operations are carried out there, including train maintenance, technical inspections, cleaning, and the daily operational preparation of services. With passenger traffic increasing and the Metro network continuously expanding, the existing facilities are approaching their operational limits, making the infrastructure expansion necessary.

The new site will be used to create additional train stabling lines, new technical facilities, and supporting infrastructure. At the same time, the project includes the upgrading of electromechanical systems and improvements to the depot’s operational organisation so that it can meet the demands of a larger and more modern transport network.

The depot expansion is also linked to the broader strategic planning of public transport in Athens. The development of the new Metro Line 4, as well as future extensions of the existing lines, is expected to significantly increase the number of trains requiring daily servicing. Without expanding maintenance and storage facilities, the smooth operation of the Metro system would face serious challenges in the coming years.

At the same time, the project is expected to generate wider development benefits for the Elaionas area, which in recent years has been at the centre of discussions regarding urban regeneration and the redevelopment of inactive or degraded sites. Strengthening transport infrastructure could act as a catalyst for attracting new investments, creating jobs, and improving accessibility across the area.