During the meeting, the Deputy Regional Governor of Thessaloniki, Kostas Gioutikas, emphasized that the project for the development of a large 4th-generation technology park is funded by the Recovery Fund and, for this reason, no delays should occur. He mentioned that all required studies for its establishment have been completed, and added that the relevant Presidential Decree was issued on February 15, 2024.
“The primary goal of the project is for the area to become an organized business, scientific, and technological infrastructure for the approach, reception, and hosting of internationally recognized academic and research institutions,” he further stated.
What is planned for the 1160 property in Peraia
As the Deputy Regional Governor explained, “The special urban planning scheme for the 1160 property in the Peraia Agricultural Estate of the Municipality of Thermaikos has been approved. It outlines all building restrictions, the strategic environmental impact study, the approval of the urban plan, and divides the 756-acre park area into three main zones: the first zone concerns the development of the technology park, the second involves the development of tourism and recreation facilities, and the third is for public spaces and greenery.” Additionally, the area is divided into 14 large building blocks, of which ten will be in the technology park zone, two in the recreation zone, and two in the public spaces.
Currently, earthworks are underway, with secured funding. Once completed, road construction works will begin. Furthermore, 5,500 square meters will be constructed for the main office spaces of ThessIntec, as well as 5,000 square meters for laboratories to house business incubators. The representative and financial director of ThessIntec, Ioannis Kakavakis, stated that a total of 230,000 square meters of construction is planned, which will take place gradually over an extended period. Mr. Gioutikas also noted that the first phase of the project is budgeted at €73.798 million, of which nearly 60% will go towards earthworks, and the remainder will be allocated to construction.
Flood protection works in the wider area
The Deputy Regional Governor of Thessaloniki announced that the Region will finance flood protection works, amounting to €5 million, through the NSRF (National Strategic Reference Framework), aimed at safeguarding both the business park and the broader Peraia area. In this context, the studies were donated by the business park, and yesterday, the Regional Committee approved the donation for the flood prevention studies, designed jointly by ThessIntec and the Region’s services. “Additionally, projects previously prepared by the Municipality of Peraia for the seven streams of Peraia will be included for tendering in 2025, with works expected to start in early 2026,” added Mr. Gioutikas.
Road works and connections
Regarding roadworks, he mentioned: “In the third quarter of 2025, we will tender two important projects for the area: the upgrade of the road network from the airport to Peraia, worth €4 million, with committed funds from Central Macedonia, and another project worth €3 million for two roundabouts in Peraia and Neoi Epivates. Additionally, we have agreed with the Municipality of Thermaikos to undertake road connection works for ThessIntec, worth €3 million, which will be tendered in the near future.”
IMET EKETA’s interest in creating a building within ThessIntec
As it was also made known, IMET EKETA expressed interest in constructing a building within ThessIntec, as the spaces they have in Thermi are insufficient. This issue has already matured in terms of planning. “Today, EKETA employs 1,700 researchers, who receive only 7% of their funding from the state. The rest comes from the private sector, industry, the pharmaceutical industry, EU programs, and the Horizon program. EKETA has no more space for infrastructure but has greater needs, which is why it expressed interest in the new ThessIntec hub and has already secured funding to develop there. This will provide well-paid job opportunities for graduates from all over Greece and Central Macedonia,” stressed Mr. Gioutikas.
Municipality’s Support and Project’s Future Impact
Commenting on the project, the Mayor of Thermaikos, Theodoros Tzekos, stated that the area has found the investment it deserves and that the Municipality fully supports this prospect. He described it as a project for Thessaloniki, Northern Greece, and Greece as a whole, with the potential to become a center for innovation and research for the entire Balkans. He also highlighted the need for the project to be done properly to ensure the quality of life for the local residents and referred to works concerning electricity, water supply, and sewage networks, as well as flood protection and roadworks.
Environmental Concerns and Responses
During the meeting of the Metropolitan Committee, Athanasios Saropoulos, Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Fisheries of the Region of Central Macedonia, read an opinion from the Region's Urban Planning and Environmental Committee. Following an on-site inspection, the Committee reported that the area where ThessIntec will be developed is identified as a coastal wetland of Peraia, which was part of a joint project with the Department of Biodiversity and Protected Areas of the Ministry of Environment and Energy. It is part of the delta plain of the Anthemountas River estuary and is crossed by artificial drainage channels, maintaining vegetation and natural habitats, with significant ornithological importance. It is also a potentially high flood-risk zone, which could serve as a flood mitigation area during heavy and prolonged rainfall to protect surrounding areas and the airport. The Committee emphasized the need to preserve the ecosystem and implement appropriate flood prevention measures.
Regarding the wetland issue, Mr. Tzekos mentioned that the Council of State had reviewed the matter, the study had been revised to improve mitigation measures, and it is considered that the environmental impacts of the project will be minimal to negligible.
Opposition Parties' Position
Finally, the opposition parties “Laiki Sipsirosi,” “Change in Central Macedonia,” and “Syn-ergasia Vasilis Rokos for Central Macedonia” opposed the Environmental Impact Study.
