An ambitious urban regeneration project in the center of Athens is now entering the implementation with the commencement of the non-binding expressions of interest phase for upgrading and modernizing the capital’s two side-by-side train stations, Larissis and Peloponnisou.
A mockup shows what the unified train station zone in central Athens will look like once completed.
Currently, the two stations are deemed as wholly antiquated and dilapidated, with Larissis station reminiscent of provisional rail stations built in the 1960s in the eastern bloc. The older Peloponnisou station, standing across the tracks from the Larissis station in a gritty part of Athens, features a neo-classic architecture but is in a moderate state of disrepair.
The main entrance of the Larissis train station in central Athens, in its current state.
The project is being tendered by GAIAOSE, the state-owned company responsible for managing and exploiting real estate and property belonging to railroad network in the country.
The project aims to create a modern and multifunctional transport hub in the heart of Athens with the prospect of multiple uses, such as retail stores, tourism units, student housing, office space and cultural infrastructure.
The two stations are located within what is now designated as a unified rail passenger hub covering an area of approximately 100,000 square meters.
Larissis Station is the largest railway station in the country, serving the active network that connects Athens with major cities and towns north of Athens in the rest of mainland Greece (strictly along the eastern seaboard) and international connections.
The Peloponnisou station connects the greater Athens-Piraeus region with rail connections to the Peloponnese.
The exterior of the Peloponnisou train station in central Athens.
