A series of landmark redevelopment projects across central locations and key road corridors is set to reshape eastern Thessaloniki in the coming years. The municipalities of Kalamaria, Pylaia-Chortiatis, Thermi, Thermaikos, and Lagadas are launching infrastructure upgrades to improve public spaces and green areas, enhance accessibility, and make it easier for pedestrians to navigate the urban environment.
Kalamaria
A major €15 million urban redevelopment project is planned for eastern Kalamaria, focusing on the Finikas area and the municipality's eastern boundary, which effectively serves as the eastern gateway to Thessaloniki. The intervention covers a network of streets totalling 2.7 km, along with parks, squares, sports facilities and green spaces spanning more than 25,000 sq m.
Planned works include widening and upgrading pavements to modern accessibility standards, redesigning parks and public spaces, and introducing areas for sport, recreation and play. Several streets will be converted into low-traffic routes, while a new cycle lane will be constructed.
The project also includes extensive planting, new urban equipment, infrastructure upgrades such as lighting and drainage, and the installation of smart systems to improve energy efficiency and functionality. According to the plan, the redevelopment will not only upgrade a widely considered degraded area, but also connect Finikas with the coastal front.
Panorama
A large-scale bioclimatic redevelopment project is planned for the historic centre of Panorama, covering around 28,200 sq m, including pavements, public spaces and green areas. The intervention spans key streets and landmarks from the town's entrance through to central squares and municipal buildings.
Planned works include widening and reconstructing pavements, creating low-traffic streets, upgrading public and green spaces, and adding new planting and irrigation systems. The project also provides improved accessibility, new urban equipment, upgraded lighting and drainage infrastructure, and reorganised parking and signage.
Thermaikos
In the municipality of Thermaikos, the main project concerns the redevelopment of Dimokratias Street, a 3.5 km road running parallel to the coastal route and linking Peraia with Neoi Epivates. A programme contract has recently been signed with the Thessaloniki Development Agency (ANETH) to carry out the required technical studies.
The planned large-scale works include full reconstruction of pavements to meet accessibility standards, upgraded street lighting, extensive new planting, and bioclimatic redesign of squares and public spaces along the route.
Thermi
The municipality of Thermi has launched a major intervention comprising three projects. The first focuses on upgrading the busy Thermi–Charilaou road, in cooperation with the municipality of Pylaia-Chortiatis, covering a 3.8 km stretch that serves key institutions, businesses and residential areas. Planned works include resurfacing, new pavements, lighting, drainage systems and roundabouts, as well as provisions for emergency and service vehicle access.
A second project includes similar upgrades along the Thermi–Panorama road axis. The third targets the rapidly developing expansion area of Thermi, where works will include new pavements and pedestrian routes, two green spaces, and upgraded street lighting infrastructure.
Lagadas
A €15 million redevelopment project in Lagadas is set to transform the town centre and surrounding areas, extending to the road leading to the Lagadas thermal baths. Described as the largest urban regeneration project undertaken in the municipality, it focuses on bioclimatic upgrading and sustainable mobility.
Planned works include the redesign of pavements and pedestrian routes with modern materials, the creation of new squares and public spaces, and extensive planting to improve the microclimate. The project also introduces measures to support sustainable transport, upgrade lighting, expand underground networks, and implement full accessibility features. According to the plan, it aims to improve residents' daily lives while supporting the local economy.
by Foteini Stefanopoulou - adapted from Greek by Vassia Barba
