Growthfund’s Project Preparation Facility (PPF): Signing of contract for the restoration of the surrounding area, fence reconstruction, and construction of climbing walls at OAKA

A contract worth €8.4 million (excluding VAT) for the restoration of the surrounding area and the fence, as well as the construction of Climbing Walls at the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens (OAKA) “Spyros Louis”, was signed on Friday, July 18, by the OAKA President, Ioanna Batsou, and the CEO of the contractor company “Omada Kataskefon S.A.”, Giorgos Kakaroglou.

The signing ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister of Sports, Ioannis Vroutsis, the Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, the Governor of the Special Coordination Service of the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Orestis Kavalakis, the Growthfund Deputy CEO, Panagiotis Stampoulidis, and OAKA General Director, Konstantinos Chalioris.

The project includes the following interventions:

• Preparation of implementation studies and securing all necessary permits.
• Targeted structural interventions in the surrounding area of OAKA, such as sealing and insulating joints, repairing cracks and paving, and restoring decorative mosaic elements of the “Calatrava” architectural structures, lighting cubes, and water features.
• Planting of new trees, shrubs, and grass, and the restoration, maintenance, and extension of the irrigation system.
• Revitalization of the Agora with the addition of architectural features (benches and olive trees) and lighting to highlight the area as an attractive destination for walking and recreation.
• Construction of a new road network to serve heavy vehicles for the operational needs of the sports complex.
• Restoration of pumping stations and electromechanical infrastructure of the fountains to make them operational again.
• Installation of LED lighting across the outdoor areas.
• Replacement and completion of large sections of the complex’s perimeter fence, much of which has been damaged, and installation of guardhouses for security staff.
• Construction of three Competition Climbing Walls (the Lead Wall, the Boulder Wall, and the Speed Wall) along with all accompanying facilities (cabins, etc.) to serve athletes and provide infrastructure for spectators.

Deputy Minister of Sports, Ioannis Vroutsis, stated: “With today’s signing of the final contract, we are completing the tendering process for the upgrade – the rebirth – of our Olympic complex. We are also creating a brand-new facility for the Olympic discipline of Competitive Climbing, a sport which, until now, lacked dedicated infrastructure in Greece, fulfilling a commitment made by the Prime Minister himself. I am truly pleased – not only because OAKA, once these complex projects are completed, will regain the prominence it deserves as a national landmark for sport and culture, but also because the expertise gained through this ambitious planning and implementation process will serve as a model for upgrading smaller sports facilities across the country under the Ministry’s oversight. My warmest thanks to all those who contributed over the years to reach this milestone. We are now just a few months away from delivering the fully renewed OAKA 2.0 to the athletic community and to the Greek people.”

Deputy Minister of National Economy and Finance, Nikos Papathanasis, commented on the restoration work of OAKA’s surrounding area: “The upgrade of OAKA, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility, is yet another tangible example of how European resources are being leveraged for the benefit of society and the economy. A landmark of Athens, a site deeply connected with the modern history of our country, is gradually entering a new era through the ongoing interventions. The goal is for it to continue meeting the standards of a world-class, fully operational sports complex, while also responding to the daily needs of our citizens.”

With the signing of this contract, the entire set of projects — with a total budget exceeding €130 million — included in the upgrade programme for the country’s most important Olympic sports facility, is now fully tendered. These projects have been designed and are being implemented by the Project Preparation Facility (PPF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, OAKA, and the Technical Chamber of Greece.

Speaking on the significance of the project, Growthfund Deputy CEO, Panagiotis Stampoulidis, emphasized: “We have signed the final contract for the comprehensive upgrade of OAKA, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Facility. This milestone marks the culmination of a major effort that began with vision, planning, and unwavering commitment. The Project Preparation Facility’s (PPF) role in this ambitious endeavour is drawing to a close, and we are proud of what has been achieved: we successfully tendered projects worth €90 million, contributing to a total investment that exceeds €130 million. These are transformative works that are reshaping OAKA into a modern, functional, and sustainable sports complex, while remaining fully operational. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the PPF team of Growthfund and the Recovery and Resilience Facility team for their tireless dedication to delivering these projects on time and to a high standard. In just 15 days, renovation work will begin on the iconic roofs of the Main Stadium and the Velodrome. We are confident that within a year, Greece’s most important Olympic facility will be visibly transformed. The OAKA project is a model for how major public infrastructure can and should be upgraded: through careful planning, consistency, and full transparency.”

 

 

For further information please contact:

GROWTHFUND, Anthi Trokoudi, Chief Communications & Sustainability Officer, +30 6932 100053, A.Trokoudi@growthfund.gr   

SOCIALDOO, Konstantina Iliopoulou, Director of Corporate Relations, +30 6974 894411, kiliopoulou@socialdoo.gr