Following the ratification of the contract for the SNFCC and its inclusion in the government gazette, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) was established on August 7, 2009 under the name of “Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC).” The SPV will provide the funds for the construction of new facilities for the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera, which will be situated in the Stavros Niarchos Park, an area covering apprοximately 200,000 sq.m.
The project has been conceived according to the highest standards of environmental sustainability. A pivotal design element is the “lighthouse”, a translucent, state-of-the-art reading room and gathering place with 360° panoramic views, situated on top of each of the buildings. The “canal,” a long water surface, will run parallel to the existing esplanade, leading to a visitors center, a destination for children and adults alike. All three spaces (the National Library of Greece, the Greek National Opera and the Stavros Niarchos Park) will be connected via an important meeting point, the “Agora”.
The fencing and cleaning of the SNFCC site, security plans, partial planting of the esplanade, temporary parking space reconfiguration, and revised traffic access plans were completed during the schematics phase. The next steps in the project are to complete the design development by the summer of 2010, followed by the beginning of construction in 2011. The project will be completed and turned over to the Greek State for ongoing administration in 2015.
