The business parks of remediation as a tool for the organization of informal industrial concentrations

the case studies of Oinofyta and Kalochori

Abstract

Within the last decade, Greece has updated the institutional framework for the development of Business Parks, without managing to result in the organized location of industry. Besides, the lack, in the past, of spatial planning of industry, along with the absence of a national industrial policy, led to the development of Informal Industrial Concentrations. These are often located on the periphery of large urban agglomerations, in strategic positions, close to major transport networks, contributing to the national and local economy in a decisive way. At the same time, they have urban and environmental problems, regarding not only their internal environment but also their relationship with the surrounding area. Nowadays, the necessity of the remediation of Informal Industrial Concentrations has been realized. Therefore, the Business Parks of Remediation tool has been activated in order to convert Informal Industrial Concentrations into modern organized receptors of manufacturing and business activities. The article examines the initiatives that concern the transformation of the Informal Industrial Concentrations of Oinophyta and Kalochori into Business Parks of Remediation. After making a comparative approach, it intends to highlight the challenges and common difficulties regarding their development, that may require special handling at the institutional, administrative and political level. The article concludes by formulating proposals for additional measures that are suggested to be taken by the state for the development of Business Parks.