Here are Thessaloniki’s big infrastructure projects everyone in the city looks forward to

As Thessaloniki intensively prepares for the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), major projects play a significant role in its future, whether currently underway or in the bidding process. Most of these projects, such as the Metro and the flyover, have been known for years, but there are also new projects for the city, like the Holocaust Museum, ThessINTEC, and the Gonos Military Camp.

These projects aim to bring a new dynamism to the city, which was lacking in the first two decades of the 21st century and is now essential. An important aspect of these projects is that they are progressing systematically. Both the city and the broader region will witness their realization, with some already in the implementation phase.

We are also talking about both public and private projects. Significant investors are investing in the city, such as Dimand, which is working on projects like Hub 26 and the redevelopment of the Fix building, and other investors, primarily in the hospitality sector.

Of course, the flagship project for Thessaloniki is the Metro. The city eagerly counts the days until the stations officially open and travel times, which currently seem mythical, become a reality. The official opening date for the main line, from New Railway Station to Nea Elvetia, is expected to be announced at the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and is projected for late November. This means that this year will be the last TIF is held without the Metro. The Kalamaria extension, which will complete the city’s first metro network, is also slated for completion by the end of 2025.

However, on September 6th, during the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), we will inaugurate the new “green” office complex, HUB 26, in Thessaloniki. The new “green” office building by Dimand, located at the western entrance of Thessaloniki, will be delivered gradually from September to December. The spaces have already been leased to major Greek and international companies, and the complex is set to be purchased by Prodea Investments.

Flood prevention projects are also significant for the city and are currently underway. These include the construction of a flood protection system for the southern part of the Municipality of Kalamaria for stormwater drainage, flood prevention works in the broader Lahanagora area of Thessaloniki, stream management projects in the Oreokastro region, and the construction of stormwater networks. These projects are expected to be completed gradually from 2025 onwards.

One of the largest road projects in the country is being carried out in Thessaloniki, and we are, of course, referring to the flyover. The construction of a new elevated axis on the eastern half of the peripheral road has generated concerns about the traffic load it will create and anticipation for the significant improvement it promises to bring. The project is scheduled for completion in May 2027.

ThessINTEC development is a major and significant project for the city’s external image. Preliminary work is in full swing, and construction of the buildings and the necessary infrastructure are expected to begin in 2024. Greece currently lacks this innovative and technological centre, and Thessaloniki is taking the initiative with its construction.

Also underway from Electra Hotels & Resorts is a 5-star hotel with a total investment of €30 million, which is expected to become a landmark in Thessaloniki. The hotel will be located at the intersection of Tsimiski and Ethnikis Amynis streets and will feature 160 rooms.

Construction is also progressing on the new— and first for the city—Children’s Hospital in Filirou. Funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, this state-of-the-art hospital will incorporate the latest technological advancements, achieve LEED certification, and provide valuable healthcare services to the city. The cost is estimated at around €160 million.

It is worth noting that the same donation is also funding the construction of general hospitals in Komotini and Sparta.

Also under construction is the significant redevelopment project to create a Metropolitan Park at the Pavlos Melas Military Camp, managed by the Pavlos Melas Municipality with a budget of €30 million. The project is well-advanced and expected to be completed by 2025.

Recently, work also began on the crucial project for the Holocaust Museum at the western entrance of Thessaloniki. With an estimated cost of around €30 million, the museum is expected to be completed in approximately two years and will be a significant cultural landmark.

Projects to be started and tendered

The project for completing the 6th pier at the Port of Thessaloniki will be signed. The project has been long-delayed, with a history of over 20 years, and everyone now believes it will be signed soon. This would provide the Port Authority of Thessaloniki with a significant asset in its efforts to increase container traffic.

The 120 million-euro PPP project for the Judicial Buildings of Central Macedonia is in an advanced stage of tendering. It includes the functional reconstruction of the existing Thessaloniki Court House and the construction of new court buildings in Serres, Edessa, and Kilkis.

The two major road projects that “touch” Thessaloniki are also in the advanced tendering stages. The first concerns the Thessaloniki-Edessa axis, and the second involves the Drama-Amphipolis axis. Both tenders are in Phase B and are expected to be completed by 2025. The cost of these projects is 444 million euros and 248 million euros, respectively.

Tenders are starting

We are approaching the start of the tender for creating a large Logistics Park through HRADF for the former Gonos Army Camp. The tender is estimated at around 300 million euros. The park will operate alongside the Port of Thessaloniki as a hub for container traffic to Central and Eastern Europe.

The project for the renowned redevelopment of the Thessaloniki International Fair ( is also in full preparation. With an estimated cost of 300 million euros, this project promises to give a new look to the city centre and reestablish it as one of Thessaloniki’s most important landmarks.

Looking ahead, we anticipate implementing the ambitious Metro expansion program, with a priority on the western suburbs, as well as interventions by the Municipality to enhance the city’s image further.

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