Greek PM Mitsotakis: “The TIF reconstruction project is taking shape”

The project to renovate the premises of the Thessaloniki International Fair is “coming to fruition”, said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who expressed his satisfaction with the fact that the timetables are being met and expressed confidence that the project will be completed within budget and on schedule, during of the meeting he had with the management of TIF-Helexpo.

“I am very happy because an idea, which many described as science fiction, is taking shape and at this moment we are able to present to the city of Thessaloniki a visual representation of our plan for the reconstruction of the TIF”, said the Prime Minister and continued: “Now that the we see it we understand the magnitude of the intervention. It is really the biggest urban regeneration that could be done in the city and it will be an exhibition center which, apart from its technical characteristics, will also have the unique quality of being located in the center of the city in contrast to all the other exhibition centers which are located usually outside and need commuting with the cities that host them”.

Mr. Mitsotakis stated that the state will also assist in increasing the Share Capital of TIF – Helexpo, in order to find money for the preparation of studies, as well as for the financial tools that have been agreed upon with the relevant ministries.

Redevelopment projects

“We are making good progress on the issue of regeneration”, TIF-Helexpo president Tasos Tzikas told the prime minister, he noted how the construction work will be carried out in practice and that is why he believes that in 2026 the opening of the new exhibition center will be possible and maybe there will be a slight delay in the full completion of the works.

About the new conference center he said that bioclimatically and digitally it will be the best in Europe, maybe even globally and it will ensure a great reduction and consumption of energy.

For the 86th TIF, he emphasized that it is a great celebration that also means the return to normality after the coronavirus pandemic. He also said that the percentage of free space that will be made available to the city and citizens has increased from 50% to 55%.

The Minister of State Akis Skertsos and the Deputy Minister of Macedonia and Thrace Stavros Kalafatis took the floor for individual issues concerning the project of the reconstruction of the TIF.

The governor of Central Macedonia, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, who participated via teleconference, said that the region will secure funds for this large project, mainly for renovations.

The mayor Konstantinos Zervas He referred to the increased tourist traffic during the summer season in Thessaloniki, which continues during this period as well as in projects carried out or planned by the Municipality.

Before the meeting with the Administration of TIF-Helexpo, the Prime Minister attended the consecration for the opening of the 86th TIF, which was performed by Metropolitan Anthimos in an outdoor area in front of the entrance of the Administration offices.