The necessity for new infrastructure in Greece’s second largest city, Thessaloniki

Major infrastructure projects are needed in the city of Thessaloniki, which has a population of circa 1,000,000 inhabitants. The second largest city of the country is relatively underprivileged, to say the least, in terms of infrastructure with the most concerning fact being that there are not any significant projects scheduled for the foreseeable future.

Developing projects

The biggest transport-related infrastructure ever built in the city concerns the construction of the first 2 lines of Thessaloniki Metro, a project which after several years has found a stable pace and progresses satisfyingly. In fact, tunnelling works of the Main Line have finally been concluded promising the release of the long-desired project towards the end of 2020.

At the same time, construction works for the extension to Kalamaria are also advancing rapidly. Possible operation of the branch is estimated for 2021. In its entirety, Thessaloniki Metro network will operate in 2022.

Upgrade works in Macedonia Airport (concerning the extension of airstrip 10-28) are also in progress. After the project’s completion, Thessaloniki’s International Airport will be able to receive transatlantic flights.

Works for partial undergroundings and flyovers’ construction for Thessaloniki Ring Road are also in full progress after a series of remarkable delays. Works are expected to finish in 2018.

The planning

What about the next big projects for the city of Thessaloniki? The expansion of Macedonia Airport’s terminal, that will double its premises, is decided upon and will be implemented by Fraport, which recently assumed its management. What is, reasonably, considered to be a drawback though is that there is no provision for jetways and loading bridges, a fact that will cost not only in terms of prestige to the regenerating airport, but also functionality.

The privatization of Thessaloniki’s Port Authority, has “unlocked” the project for the expansion of Pier III, which will double the maximum handling capacity of containers and will introduce the port as a major destination. The project will be undertaken by a J/V of various investors (among which, Savvidis Group).

 A tender is also underway, by GAIA OSE, for the project concerning the creation of a logistics center at Gonos former army camp. This project is considered to be crucial as it will be the second one of its kind in Greece (after Thriassio L.C. in Attica region) and will certainly create great business opportunities that, combined with the port and the new motorway network of the country, will boost logistics sector significantly, even marking Thessaloniki as an inter-balkan logistics hub.

What is needed and the uncertain future

Beyond the aforementioned projects, lies the unknown. It is a reality that the city needs additional infrastructure that will complement the existing, along with an extended “facelift” that will refresh the city and demonstrate is metropolitan character. But let’s see in more detail what projects would be particularly beneficial for Thessaloniki:

1) 3 new extensions of the Metro to Evosmos/Kordelio, Efkarpia and the Airport. The cost exceeds 1bn euros with the Ministry seeking funds. However, without the NSRF’s valuable resources, there will be hardly any positive developments.

2) A Tram network working as a “feeder” for the Metro network along with the buses. Here, for the time being, despite the expressed willingness of Thessaloniki Municipality and other institutions of the city, there is not a solid implementation plan.

3) A suburban railway line, serving the western suburbs of the city.  There is not any development at the moment though, for a project that, combined with other fixed-rail means of transport, could relieve the city from its multiple bus lines, following the standards of Athens and other European cities. What is also remains unreported is the Municipality’s announcement regarding a cable car connecting the city centre with the Upper Town. Is yet another model that will remain just an ambitious plan?

4) A radical refurbishment of Thessaloniki Railway Station, which has been frozen for decades now. The station’s descent exterior does not prepare the passenger for the obsolete facilities and platforms inside.

According to secure information provided at Ypodomes.com, the modernization of the station is planned by GAIAOSE, through a concession scheme.

5) A Marina in Thessaloniki’s Port (Pier I), located right at the heart of the city. The Marina could attract high-income tourism but due to the privatization the plans are halted, for the time being.

6) The city centre’s traffic regulations and overall operations also needs rethinking. Recently, at an event of the Technical Chamber of Greece, NTUA Professor, Mr. Sergios Lambropoulos presented an idea that, at a relatively low cost, would provide more space to both pedestrians and cars, with interventions in Nikis Av.

7) Thessaloniki International Fair facilities also need to be renovated. Thessaloniki’s historic exhibition centre hasn’t undergone an effective lifting in years and could certainly use one. Its central location remains a must as it is vital for the city. What is urgently needed is a master plan that will transform TIF into a modern destination with an even more upgraded role, as opposed to the old-fashioned, partisan meeting point that is today. Is there money though?

8) Finally, bicycle paths for the wonderful beachfront of Thessaloniki. An extended network of bicycle paths, that will promote bicycle as an environmentally friendly and cost-efficient way to move around the city could transform Thessaloniki for the better. What is required though is the pursuance of policies that promote alternative urban transportation apart from cars that currently dominate the city.

Closing, it is worth mentioning that the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, is considering the supply of new generation electric and natural gas fuelled buses that could help Thessaloniki get “greener”.

Nikos Karagiannis-ypodomes.com

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