Demolition work on the site of the new Panathinaikos stadium in Votanikos began on Friday.

The structures that came down were selected for their symbolism as the site marks the start of a planned pedestrian walkway that will lead to the new Panathinaikos football stadium.

"Today, the first step was taken towards the realisation of the Votanikos-Alexandras Avenue urban regeneration project," said Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis.

"One component concerns our city's historic team and its new football field, and the amateur division's sports facilities.

"The second component involves the redevelopment of the site which today hosts Panathinaikos' football field on Alexandras Avenue. The road will be long and difficult.

"I call on all sports fans to embrace this project as the new stadium may belong to one team but it represents a wider contribution to sport in this city."

The work followed yesterday's meeting between Kaklamanis and Thanassis Giannakopoulos, the chairman of the amateur division of Panathinaikos.

"The dream is coming true," said Giannakopoulos.

The prospect of the ground being ready for the club's centenary in 2008, however, remains in some doubt.

"Unfortunately, many bureaucratic formalities exist," said Giannakopoulos. "I hope that it will be ready, but I don't believe that the stadium will be complete by 2008."

Panathinaikos currently play their home games at the Olympic Stadium in Athens.