With significant changes, it was re-announced a few days ago. PPP project for the reconstruction of the former CHROPEI property in Faliro, where the creation of an innovative state is being promoted. The most important of these is the contractor’s ability to use a portion of the permitted building factor, namely up to 10,000 sq.m. for the development of residential complexes, which was not provided for in the original notice. At the same time, it is noted that these residences will not be addressed to third parties, but will be available exclusively to users of the infrastructure of the innovative state.

Another important change concerns the fact that the State’s financial contribution is now provided through the Recovery Fund. In particular, the state can participate in investments up to 18.75 million euros, the amount of which can reach 100 million euros. However, interested parties are given the opportunity to structure their proposals so that the need for public funding is below this amount. The lower the need for this, the higher the score each candidate will receive. Finally, the duration of the PPP contract has also changed. Instead of 30 years with the right to extend for another 15 years, the operation of the complex is now provided from the very beginning for 45 years.

These distinctions were deemed necessary to increase the attractiveness of the project and ensure stakeholder participation. Recall that GEK TERNA, Dimand Real Estate, Aktor Parchoresis, Intracom Holdings-Intrakat showed interest at the first stage of the competition. However, the participation of all stakeholders in the second stage of the submission of binding financial proposals is not a given at present. For example, GEK TERNA representatives report that the decision on whether or not to apply for a particular project has not yet been made. In any case, the cancellation and re-announcement of the tender, based on the new conditions, will not significantly change the schedule, since the deadline for the submission of final tenders remains on March 28.

The State of Innovation will become a multidisciplinary space to host technology and innovation start-ups, as well as research projects. The total permitted maximum area reaches 46,500 sq.m. According to a related study, up to 24,500 sq.m. they can be used as offices, and in addition to residential premises, the complex will be surrounded by laboratories, a conference center, a library and other additional premises.

According to data processed by the General Secretariat for Research and Innovation in cooperation with the Ministry of Development, it is expected that more than 2,400 workers will work daily in the field of innovation, which will staff the research and development departments of large companies, the “ecosystem” of start-ups that will be hosted there, and as well as research centers.