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Greece – Opening of InspireAthens could be put back to 2026

By - 18 May 2021

Mohegan Gaming has put a two year delay on the opening of InspireAthens, comprising a casino and two hotels being planned for the landmark plot of Athens’ former international airport on the southern coast at Elliniko, taking the timeline as late as 2026.

The last communication on the casino’s progress came from Greek Investment Minister Adonis Georgiadis has said it would be ready for business by 2024.

Ray Pineault, Mohegan’s interim CEO, explained to the Delphi Economic Forum in Athens, that the next steps in the process included signing the contract and clearing it with Greek auditors and parliament, saying it was expected to open in 2025 or 2026.

He said: “Right now, we anticipate that upon conclusion of the contractual negotiation process, permitting and design will take approximately 12 to 18 months. We anticipate the IRC (resort) will grow international tourism in the Attica region by at least 10 per cent. It will be a facility that’s unforeseen anywhere else in all of Europe.”

The casino is part of a wider €8bn project by Greek developer Lamda. The development company said last week it was hopeful that it would be able to start construction in the autumn if it secures the go ahead from the state next month.

InspireAthens will consist of a luxury hotel, entertainment venues, convention center, shopping, dining, casino, and a comprehensive mix of premium amenities. The development will help launch a new era of tourism growth and economic prosperity for all of Greece and the entire region.

The iconic design of the building was created by Steelman Partners, an international architectural firm specialising in IRC design and development. The concept form draws inspiration from the architectural history of Greece, particularly from Athenian sculptures and buildings including the Acropolis and the Caryatids.
The Inspire Athens development is estimated to create more than 7,000 jobs in the region during and after construction, including direct, indirect, and induced. The completion of the Integrated Resort and Casino is expected to increase international tourism in the Attica region by at least 10 per cent and contribute millions of euros annually to both the government and the people of Greece in the form of taxes, infrastructure improvement, and public services.

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