Thessaloniki’s International Fair Area Set for Major Redevelopment

Thessaloniki, Greece. Photo source: Thessaloniki Travel

The contract for the technical preparation of tenders for the redevelopment of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) area has been signed, as announced by TIF-Helexpo, Greece’s national exhibitor.

This contract marks a significant step forward for the project, which aims to transform Thessaloniki into a greener city featuring a metropolitan park and Europe’s most bioclimatic and functional exhibition and conference center. Upon completion, the redevelopment is expected to enhance Thessaloniki’s status as a premier meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) destination, create 1,500 new jobs, and contribute approximately 500 million euros to the city’s annual economic turnover.

The agreement was finalized on Wednesday between TIF-Helexpo, Growthfund, and the Project Preparation Facility (PPF) unit of the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF).

During the signing ceremony, TIF-Helexpo President Anastasios Tzikas highlighted that the regeneration project would fundamentally alter Thessaloniki’s landscape, making it greener, more competitive internationally, and more attractive to residents, particularly younger generations.

TIF-Helexpo CEO Kyriakos Pozrikidis, TIF-Helexpo President Anastasios Tzikas, Deputy Minister of Interior (Macedonia and Thrace) Konstantinos Gkioulekas, Growthfund CEO Grigoris Dimitriadis and Panagiotis Stampoulidis, head of the Project Preparation Facility (PPF) unit of the HRADF. Photo source: TIF-Helexpo

Growthfund CEO Grigoris Dimitriadis emphasized that the PPF’s involvement would be crucial in advancing the project. He noted that their participation would significantly impact the critical steps needed to realize this landmark initiative for Thessaloniki and Greece.

The PPF will oversee the maturation of the project, manage the public tendering process, and ensure the effective execution of the concession.

Panagiotis Stampoulidis, head of the PPF unit, described the redevelopment as the “greatest urban regeneration project in Thessaloniki’s history” and assured that the PPF would leverage its expertise to ensure transparency and efficiency in bringing the project to fruition.

The tender for redeveloping the Thessaloniki International Fair area is expected to be announced in 2025, with construction beginning in 2026 and completion anticipated after 2031.

The redevelopment project

Impression of the the revamped version of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition Center.

The redevelopment project will transform 60 percent of the current Thessaloniki International Fair area into a public park, featuring dense forestation and open access year-round.

Thessaloniki’s new metropolitan park will cover 100,000 square meters, without enclosures, and include two adjacent open spaces. Specifically, Agia Fotini Park will span 11,500 square meters, while an additional 10,800 square meters will be allocated for public use around the Fair areas.

The new facility will incorporate green and smart technologies to minimize the environmental impact of human activities.

A new parking facility, accommodating 1,300 vehicles, will be constructed. This development, in conjunction with the city’s new metro system, aims to alleviate traffic congestion.

The project will also feature various building complexes that highlight the city’s modern cultural identity.

Additionally, the redevelopment is expected to boost Thessaloniki’s appeal as a tourism destination, attracting more visitors and extending the city’s traditional tourism season.