Outdoor arenas and golf course at Markopoulo
The equestrian center at Markopoulo is where the most work is taking place, with post-Olympic plans to include the construction of a golf course, a riding center and a theme park. The riding center is projected to comprise outdoor arenas, sports fields, stables, storage facilities, a veterinary clinic, an indoor arena, administrative offices, a museum on riding, riding and jockey schools, riding equipment stores, exhibitions, events halls, an auction house, a hotel and a heliport. The location of the golf course has been the subject of much debate in the past few weeks, with many arguing that if it was to be located at the site of the former airport at Hellenikon, it would buttress the already existing golf course in Glyfada. Nevertheless, the Environment, Physical Planning and Public Works Ministry (YPEHODE) was of a different mind and the course has been scheduled to be constructed at Markopoulo after all. The nearby Olympic Rifle Range at Markopoulo will continue to operate as such, while there will also be shops selling equipment related to shooting, public gathering areas and a campsite. The reconstruction of the Ano Liosia Olympic Center to house the State Academies of Culture and the national archive of audiovisual material will be a costly undertaking, though the Liosia stadium will be contracted out for commercial use, with areas designated for public gatherings and accommodation quarters. The Olympic facilities at Nikaia will also be handed over for commercial use to shops, as well as public gathering areas, offices, medical clinics and areas for hosting various cultural events. Furthermore, plans foresee a hostel and a training center being set up in the existing auxiliary buildings. Plans specifying what kind of additional construction will take place at the Olympic Center in Galatsi have not been drawn up so far, as is the case with all other Olympic venues, though it is known that the area will be used to establish shops and restaurants and a theme park. Similar plans are being made for the Olympic Center in Goudi.
