Greece is moving forward with a major €765 million project to build a new judicial and correctional complex in Aspropyrgos, west of Athens, as part of plans to relocate Korydallos Prison and modernize the country’s prison infrastructure.
The public-private partnership (PPP) project has entered its final preparation stage after receiving environmental approval, allowing the process to move ahead toward selecting a private contractor.
The next phase of the tender procedure will focus on choosing the company that will undertake the construction, operation and maintenance of the new facility. The contract is expected to last around 30 years.
A new correctional hub in Aspropyrgos
The new complex will be built on a site of more than 103,000 square meters at the former “American Convenience” military camp in Aspropyrgos.
The project includes the transfer of Korydallos Prison, currently located within the urban area, as well as the creation of a unified center for judicial and correctional services. The new site will also house the Attica Court Transfers Directorate.
The first phase of the tender attracted major Greek construction groups, including GEK TERNA, AKTOR, METKA (Metlen Group) and AVAX.
The location, which is already surrounded by industrial facilities, logistics centers and quarries, was taken into consideration during the environmental approval process.
Facility designed as a “prison city”
The planned complex will include five main correctional sections for male, female and transgender inmates, along with specialized healthcare and psychiatric support facilities.
It will also feature administrative buildings, medical facilities, educational and sports areas, religious spaces and advanced security systems.
The total building area will exceed 55,000 square meters, while the site coverage will reach around 31,000 square meters. The facility is expected to accommodate approximately 2,000 inmates and more than 1,000 employees, making it one of the largest correctional complexes in Southeast Europe.
The plans also include extensive access roads, perimeter infrastructure and security systems aimed at improving the facility’s independence and reducing traffic pressure in the surrounding area.
Construction expected to begin in 2027
According to the project timeline, the tender process is expected to be completed in 2026, with a contractor selected and construction works beginning in 2027.
Construction is expected to develop gradually during 2027–2028, with full operation of the complex planned within the following decade.
The project forms part of a wider effort to restructure Greece’s correctional system by moving Korydallos Prison away from the urban environment and replacing it with newer, higher-security facilities.
At the same time, the relocation could open the way for the future redevelopment of the existing Korydallos Prison site as part of broader urban improvement plans in the area.
