Greece clears $332 million project VORIA casino and hotel development in Maroussi

Greece’s Council of State has cleared the way for the €300 million ($332 million) project VORIA, a major entertainment and hospitality development by North Star Entertainment, after rejecting a legal challenge against the project’s zoning framework.

In a final and irrevocable ruling, the country’s top administrative court upheld Presidential Decree 36/2023, which outlines urban and spatial planning terms for the project in the Delavari area of Maroussi, northern Athens.

The development, described as the largest strategic investment in Attica’s northern suburbs in decades, will include a five-star hotel, conference centre, casino, and a range of entertainment and dining venues. The project also entails relocating the historic Mont Parnes casino from Mount Parnitha to a purpose-built 8,500-square-metre facility within the complex.

North Star CEO Yiannis Tsirikos welcomed the court’s decision, saying it “allows full implementation of this significant investment.”

“Project VORIA will offer unique experiences while promoting innovation and sustainability, and will support Maroussi’s and Athens’ growth as a tourism and business destination,” Tsirikos said.

Designed with an emphasis on environmental sustainability, the complex will incorporate more than 17 stremma (approximately 4.2 acres) of greenery and preserve 25 stremma (6.2 acres) for public use out of a total 50-stremma (12.4-acre) site granted to the Municipality of Maroussi. North Star has pledged to exclude shopping malls from the site to avoid competition with local retailers.

The project is expected to generate 1,000 jobs and contribute to broader urban regeneration in the area. The company will also fund major traffic improvements to reduce congestion around the development zone.

“The project will offer unique experiences to visitors by combining innovation and sustainability, highlighting our vision for the creation of a new center that will bring Maroussi and, by extension, Athens and the country to the epicentre of tourism and business interest," Tsirikos added.