Attica Regional Governor Nikos Hardalias conducted a site visit in the municipality of Nea Smyrni, where significant infrastructure projects are underway with exclusive funding from the Region of Attica, totaling €23 million. The visit aimed to support local communities and implement interventions that address real needs.

In a working meeting with Mayor Giorgos Koutelakis, discussions focused on:

• The construction of a new state-of-the-art indoor sports arena
• The upgrade of children’s playgrounds
• The energy and functional renovation of the historic Milon Sports Center

The two officials reviewed implementation phases and timelines, followed by on-site inspections of active and planned project locations.

Statements from Governor Hardalias

“Our presence here confirms our commitment to delivering projects that truly transform our cities and improve daily life for citizens,” said Hardalias.
“In Nea Smyrni, we are implementing three key interventions with funding entirely from the Region, reaching €23 million, the result of thorough planning and close cooperation with the municipality. We’re not here to make announcements—we’re here to oversee progress. These are essential, not decorative projects—projects that were stuck, now moving forward, addressing actual needs: modern athletic facilities, certified and safe playgrounds, upgraded public spaces, and a revitalized park.”

He added, “For us, vision is not abstract—it must produce tangible, measurable outcomes. Attica is turning a page, guided by accountability, transparency, and a strong sense of responsibility to its citizens.”

Mayor Koutelakis:

“Our most important project right now is the construction of the new indoor gym, which is progressing rapidly over the past year—this brings great satisfaction to citizens and to me personally, as Nea Smyrni is a city with a strong athletic identity. The governor’s support has been decisive in unblocking the project. We’re also pleased with the Region’s attention to the Nea Smyrni Grove, the playgrounds, and the modernization of Milon’s existing gym, enhancing safety, functionality, and aesthetics.”

Top 3 Regional Development Projects in Nea Smyrni:

1. New Multipurpose Bioclimatic Indoor Sports Arena

Location: Corner of Artakis & Ethnikis Stegis
Budget: €20,850,000
Capacity: 3,500 seats
Completion Status: 38%

A landmark bioclimatic sports facility built over four basement and two ground levels:

• B, C, D Basements: Parking areas
• A Basement: Locker rooms, press room, physiotherapy area
• Ground Floor A: Admin offices, referees’ rooms, medical center, fitness area
• Ground Floor B: VIP and public foyers, first aid station, ticket booths, public restrooms

The competition floor will be situated atop the second basement, and the surrounding area will be integrated architecturally into the facility.

2. Upgrade of Playgrounds – Nea Smyrni Grove & Fleming Square

Budget: €587,500
Scope: Complete overhaul of playground equipment and surrounding environments

Nea Smyrni Grove upgrades include:

• Metal swings, wooden seesaws, playhouses, spring toys, tower-slide complexes
• Low fencing, benches, trash bins, lighting

Fleming Square features:

• Multi-functional hexagonal tower, climbing frames, swings, seesaws
• Urban furniture: benches, bins, fountain

All upgrades will be certified according to modern safety standards.

3. Renovation of A.O.N.S. “MILON” Indoor Gym

Budget: €1,800,000
Facility Size: 1,130 m²

Improvements include:

• Thermal and moisture insulation of the shell
• Repairs to structural components
• Renovation of VIP stands and athletic facilities
• Refurbishment of locker rooms

The works will be executed by the Technical Works Department of the Attica Region.

During the Nea Smyrni visit, Governor Hardalias was accompanied by Deputy Regional Governor for South Athens, Christos Theodoropoulos.

The meeting at City Hall also included Mayor Giorgos Koutelakis and the following deputy mayors:

• Marialena Angelidou (Municipal Property & Legal Affairs)
• Thaleia Adapa (Project Coordination)
• Panagiotis Giatzidis (Social Economy & Solidarity)
• Giorgos Gournaropoulos (Education & Lifelong Learning)
• Marina Dekoulou (School Facilities & Animal Welfare)
• Ilias Sozos (Digital Transformation & Citizen Services)
• Rania Oikonomou (Urban Greenery)

Also present: Municipal Council President Giorgos Karoubas.