Paving way for Elliniko sell-off

The site of the capital?s former international airport at Elliniko in southern Athens is being prepared for privatization as the premises of various state organizations and services, ranging from a police dog training unit to a detention facility for undocumented immigrants, are being relocated from the area.

The police dog training unit and a depot of the force?s motorcycle-riding Dias unit have already been moved from the site while the transfer of the migrant reception facility and a police bomb disposal unit are said to be imminent.

Plans to move a bus depot and a National Meteorological Service (EMY) laboratory are expected to be less than straightforward as alternative locations have yet to be identified and the transport of EMY?s fragile equipment is expected to be costly.

Meanwhile, authorities are to start demolishing several old buildings on the site, most of which have been deemed unsafe due to structural problems.