Volos Student Campus urban development plan published in Government Gazette

This project constitutes one of the largest developments to be implemented through a Public–Private Partnership (PPP), with a total budget of approximately €116 million.

The 88.4-hectare site, located in Nea Ionia, Volos, is set to be transformed into a modern open university campus serving the needs of the University of Thessaly. The master plan provides for the development of student residences with a capacity of approximately 800 beds, as well as educational and research facilities, sports and cultural infrastructure, and extensive green spaces.

The Presidential Decree approves the Special Urban Development Plan, amends the existing urban zoning framework, and establishes the land uses, building regulations, and environmental provisions governing the area’s development. The site will be divided into two principal development zones.

The first zone is primarily designated for the creation of shared parking facilities, while the second and larger zone will accommodate the full range of university and supporting functions. Planned uses include residential accommodation, social welfare facilities, educational infrastructure, sports and cultural venues, research and administrative facilities, dining areas, and limited commercial activities.

A key element of the project involves the adaptive reuse of existing industrial buildings from the former cotton mill complex, which will be converted into university facilities and student accommodation. In parallel, new buildings will be constructed to house student residences, Erasmus accommodation, a technology center, sports and commercial facilities, as well as dedicated infrastructure for persons with disabilities.

More specifically, the project предусматривает the construction of new student residences with a total built area of approximately 16,000 sq.m., while an additional 13,400 sq.m. of existing buildings will also be converted into student housing. Plans further include facilities for vocational training schools for persons with disabilities, a specialized education center for persons with disabilities, a nursery school, and a Creative Activities Center for Children.

Building regulations provide for a maximum floor area ratio of 0.68, site coverage of up to 45%, and a maximum building height of 14 meters. Particular emphasis is placed on the creation of integrated open and public spaces featuring green areas, pedestrian routes, and bicycle paths.

The project has been awarded to Aktor as the provisional contractor, and the company is currently in the process of finalizing the financing agreements. Aktor will be responsible for the design, construction, financing, maintenance, and operation of the complex for a period of 30 years.

Overall, through this project and the corresponding developments in Lamia, nearly 1,000 new student beds will be created for the University of Thessaly. The investment is considered highly significant both for addressing the growing housing needs of students and for upgrading the wider Nea Ionia district of Volos, breathing new life into one of the city’s historic industrial properties.