With seven conditions that will ensure sustainable development for the benefit of the local community, the competitive process for the long-term lease of the organized beach “Akti Vouliagmenis” will enter its next phase in the coming weeks.
Hellenic Public Properties is currently conducting a legal and technical review of the expressions of interest in order to announce the schemes that will proceed to the second phase of binding bids. According to the same information, this is a tender that has attracted significant investment interest.
Hellenic Public Properties’ goal is to further enhance the property’s value in a meaningful and qualitative way by developing activities that will upgrade it and make it a model of exemplary “green” and sustainable tourism development of international standing, taking into account the unique characteristics of the property and the wider area.
In fact, this development and the terms of use set out in the tender are the result of cooperation between Hellenic Public Properties, the municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni, and the partners involved, in order to ensure the harmonious integration of the new investment into the natural environment and the local community, in line with the basic uses of the area.
Indicatively, as mentioned in Annex D of the tender, the terms of the lease agreement are as follows:
1. Strict compliance with all regulatory decisions of the municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni.
2. Strict compliance with the public quiet hours.
3. Music shall not exceed 65db. From sunset until the end of business hours, the use of music in outdoor areas is prohibited.
4. Obligation to install and set up special activated carbon filters.
5. Cutting trees on the entire property is prohibited without prior approval from the competent department of the municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni.
6. The installation of tall lighting poles with spotlights is not permitted in any area (sports or otherwise) of the leased property. In parking areas and on sidewalks, only low-level lighting with a maximum height of 4 meters at the top of the pole will be allowed to avoid light pollution.
7. Nightclubs, live music venues, open-air cinemas, and open-air theaters are not permitted.
According to PD 254/Δ/5-3-2004, the designated permitted land uses are:
– changing rooms,
– sanitary facilities,
– refreshment areas,
– restaurants,
– commercial stores with a maximum area of 20 square meters,
– offices for beach management personnel,
– childcare facilities,
– health advice and service facilities,
– medical center,
– small gym, and
– auxiliary mechanical and storage facilities.
In order for these uses to maintain the character and accessibility of the beach, which will be open all year round.
Hellenic Public Properties’ decision to opt for this specific tender procedure, given the iconic value of the property, so as to ascertain and ultimately clarify the investment interest before the submission of binding bids, appears to be justified by the seven major business entities participating.
Furthermore, through the closed two-stage tender, Hellenic Public Properties’ not only evaluates the quantitative criteria submitted by the interested parties in their dossiers—which is common in electronic auctions (e-auctions)—but also the qualitative criteria, using transparent and impartial procedures, with the aim of signing the contract within the year.
The interested investor who is selected as the contractor will be asked to make a strategic investment to upgrade the quality of services and, more broadly, the facilities of “Akti Vouliagmenis,” which will have a positive impact on regular visitors. Meanwhile, the modernization of infrastructure and services will attract young people, families, and children, as well as sports and water sports enthusiasts. At the same time, the exploitation and utilization of the iconic former restaurant “Okeanos,” which is currently not in operation, will provide a new and upgraded dining and hospitality experience that is accessible to the Athenian public.
It should be noted that the long-term lease agreement for “Akti Vouliagmenis” concerns the beach and its facilities as they currently stand (as is, where is) for 20 years with the right to extend for an additional 10 years, with the aim of operating as an organized bathing facility. This means that Hellenic Public Properties’ and, by extension, the Greek state will not be burdened with excessive costs for upgrading, renovating, and improving the infrastructure, which will be the responsibility of the investor.
