Thessaloniki, July 30, 2026
TIF-HELEXPO S.A. announces the official launch of the international tender for the “Regeneration of the TIF-HELEXPO grounds in Thessaloniki,” a project of major developmental significance for Thessaloniki. The project has been included in the Development Program of Strategic Contracts, following a decision by the Government Committee for Strategic Contracts. The preparation and conduct of the tender procedure are being carried out by the Strategic Preparation Facility (PPF) of the Hellenic Growth Fund, which has served as the main accelerator of the process.
With the launch of the international tender for the regeneration of TIF-HELEXPO, the largest urban regeneration project in Northern Greece — and one of the country’s most significant urban renewal projects — is set in motion. The tender announcement was carried out in close cooperation with the Municipality of Thessaloniki and the Region of Central Macedonia, as well as with the Prime Minister’s Office and cooperating Ministries (National Economy & Finance; Interior — Macedonia & Thrace; Infrastructure & Transport; Environment & Energy and the Green Fund; and Culture).
The project will be funded from national resources, with a budget of €165,000,000.00 plus VAT, i.e. a total value of €204,600,000.00. The physical scope includes the design and construction of two new exhibition buildings (Hall 1 and Hall 2), the renovation of the “I. Vellidis” Congress Center (SKIV), the regeneration of a 120-stremma (12-hectare) area that will take on the character of a Metropolitan Park (hereinafter the “Metropolitan Park”), as well as all accompanying infrastructure and underground parking facilities (1,064 spaces). The total intervention area amounts to 176,087.65 square meters. This is a public project, which will be tendered by the PPF in accordance with Article 50 of Law 4412/2016, using the design-build method.
The project received approval from the TIF-HELEXPO Board of Directors on July 30. On July 29, the Thessaloniki City Council approved the transfer of approximately 12 acres, resolving a significant institutional matter that had been pending for over 25 years.
The Metropolitan Park: A New Green Lung for the City
The regeneration will transform the TIF-HELEXPO grounds into a new space bearing the characteristics of a 120-acres Metropolitan Park in the “heart” of Thessaloniki. The Metropolitan Park will function as a daily meeting place for residents and visitors, offering pedestrian routes, recreation and rest areas, and infrastructure for cultural events and sports activities. The initiative honors the historic character of the site as a city landmark and aims for the sustainable integration of greenery into the urban environment.
A central element of the design is the “Path of Culture,” a new route that will connect the eastern and western sides of the city, key monuments and museums, and the new metro station at Egnatia, while also linking the developed areas of the Metropolitan Park with the new Event Pavilions of TIF-HELEXPO. The operating model envisions the creation of a dynamic destination for culture, recreation, and professional activities.
The design promotes the ecological and aesthetic upgrading of the site, with an emphasis on “reintegrating nature” into the urban landscape. Water features and an integrated rainwater management system will be incorporated for reuse in irrigation and the operation of the water features, contributing to ecological self-sufficiency and reduced consumption.
The project will be implemented and operated under a sustainable economic and management model, ensuring accessibility, safety, and environmental protection, as well as preserving the site’s cultural identity.
Upgrading Thessaloniki as a Destination for Conferences and Exhibitions
The regeneration is set to significantly upgrade an activity closely tied to the city’s identity and strengthen one of its landmarks. At the same time, it will substantially reinforce Thessaloniki’s position as a conference and exhibition destination, a sector that has seen continuously growing demand in recent years. With modern, upgraded infrastructure, the city will establish an even stronger presence on the map of international conferences, exhibitions, and major events — a development with multiplier benefits for the local economy.
A Landmark Project for Thessaloniki
The Regeneration of TIF is one of the largest urban development projects in the country, aiming to transform an area of aging building stock into an open, vibrant, modern, and environmentally upgraded urban hub in the center of Thessaloniki. The project is expected to improve residents’ quality of life and contribute to the local and regional economy of Northern Greece.
Widespread Support for the TIF-HELEXPO Regeneration Project
According to a survey conducted by GPO in the Municipality of Thessaloniki, nine out of ten citizens recognize the importance of TIF-HELEXPO for the city and the economy, while positive evaluation of the project’s key features reaches 88.1%. The features receiving the highest approval are the increase in green space (92.1%), the preservation of the site’s historical character (92.2%), and the creation of underground parking facilities (91.7%).
The tender documentation will be posted on the TIF-HELEXPO website (https://helexpo.gr/katigoria/diakiryxeis/) and on the Greek Development Fund’s website (https://ppf.growthfund.gr/prokhryxeis/).