ATHENS — An amendment that was tabled in parliament on Friday will pave the way for the gradual demolition of buildings on the land of the Hellenikon development project, where a metropolitan park will be built alongside the coastal front's redevelopment.

A recent decision by the Central Council of Architecture approved the immediate demolition of 450 buildings on in the broader area of this land, which comprises the former airport of Hellenikon and Agios Kosmas and includes a total of 958 buildings. Some of those that will be preserved include the old former East Airport of Athens building, facilities of the Air Force, three churches, and facilities related to the water company (EYDAP), the Public Power Corporation, the tram, the Argyroupoli station metro and the so-called Pagoda, or British hangar, among others.

The amendment provides for the implementation of additional demolition orders by the Ministry of Development and Investments, and states that these may be carried out within five years from the issuance of demolition permits. It was tabled for inclusion in the Education Ministry's bill titled 'School upgrades and other provisions'.