In the bustling landscape of Eastern Attica, a seismic shift is underway as the region transforms into a thriving hub for tech and creative industries. While Microsoft has firmly planted its flag with the largest data center complex in the area, the emergence of new players is shaking things up in a big way. The strategic location near Athens Airport, coupled with seamless access to the Attica ring road and the port of Rafina, makes this corner of Greece an attractive prospect for various enterprises.
Take the Gialou business park, for instance. It’s not just tech giants making waves; local entrepreneurs are stepping up to the plate, too. The arrival of Akis Petretzikis Hub, founded by the beloved TV chef and entrepreneur, is a prime example of this trend. With pre-approval secured for a two-story office building and TV production studio spanning 6,100 square meters, this project is poised to elevate the local media landscape. The focus on food and leisure-related productions aligns perfectly with the region’s growing appetite for such content. With an investment of around €1 million, Petretzikis is not just cooking up shows; he’s stirring the pot for economic growth in the area.
Meanwhile, the Spata business park is buzzing with activity. An ecclesiastical goods industry is gearing up to break ground on a new two-story building, adding yet another layer to the diverse industrial tapestry of the region. The Voulia business park is also making headlines, particularly with the launch of Athens LifeTech Park by pharmaceutical company Elpen. This €51 million investment marks a significant milestone as Greece’s first biotechnology park, setting the stage for innovative developments in health and technology.
The buzz doesn’t stop there. A new investment consortium featuring Dromeus Capital and Apto is making its mark in the Voulia business park, with plans for a data center investment projected to reach a whopping €1 billion. The potential involvement of tech titans like Google, Amazon Web Services, and even Microsoft itself as potential users of this complex underscores the magnitude of this venture.
Speaking of Microsoft, its own data center project is well underway, with a hefty investment of €100 million earmarked for a facility boasting an installed capacity of 19.2 MW. This ambitious undertaking is set to bolster the region’s reputation as a tech powerhouse.
Adding to the excitement, the joint venture of PPC and EDGNEX Data Centers, a subsidiary of the Arab Damac, has chosen Spata for the first phase of its data center development. With a budget of €150 million and construction expected to kick off in the first quarter of 2025, this project is yet another testament to the area’s burgeoning appeal.
As these developments unfold, it’s clear that Eastern Attica is not just a backdrop for Microsoft’s grand plans but a vibrant canvas where creativity, technology, and entrepreneurship converge. The ripple effects of these investments will likely reshape the local economy, attract talent, and inspire further innovation. The future is bright, and the stakes are high—this corner of Greece is ready to make its mark on the global stage.
