After receiving the "green light" today from the competent government committee to include the long-awaited project in the Development Programme of Strategic Importance Contracts, through a 35-year concession contract, the process of announcing the international open tender for the iconic project for the renovation of the TIF exhibition center in the historic center of Thessaloniki is about to begin.

The tender is expected to be completed by the first half of 2026 and the construction period to start immediately afterwards. All the works, which will be carried out and delivered in phases so as not to interrupt the operation of the Thessaloniki International Exhibition and Convention Centre, are estimated to be completed by 2031, later than the original schedule for delivery of the project in 2026, on the 100th anniversary of the Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF). The impact on the city's overall economic activity after completion of the project is estimated to be €500 million per year.

Agreement on the financing model for the project, with an investment of EUR 300 million
Meanwhile, following a productive consultation and a thorough exchange of views with the stakeholders of Thessaloniki (Municipality of Thessaloniki) and the Region of Central Macedonia, which will finance part of the project, an agreement has been reached on the optimal financing model. On this basis, the project will be implemented through a partnership of private and public funds.

As for the project's budget, a total investment of €300 million will be required, according to a joint announcement by the Supertank and TIF-Helexpo SA. The public participation may exceed 1/3 of the project budget with secured funds of up to 120 million euros (cumulatively from the Public Investment Programme and the Regional Programme NSRF of Central Macedonia). The payment of the public contribution will be made during the five-year period of the project construction and the remaining funds will come from private financing sources and bank loans