Thessaloniki: Green Light for the Redevelopment of the Former FIX Brewery Premises
The path is now open for the redevelopment of the former FIX Brewery facilities, located at Thessaloniki’s western entrance, with the issuance of a Presidential Decree (Government Gazette D’ 805/2024). This decision activates the area urbanistically, enabling its development potential.
The urban planning regulation treats the entire area of the former FIX Brewery as a unified complex. It allows for the coexistence of the historical industrial complex with new buildings while allocating uncovered spaces for public use, creating internal squares.
Specifically, the Presidential Decree approves the modification of the urban plan of Thessaloniki Municipality at Block 34, on 26th October Street, which includes buildings of the FIX industrial complex designated as historical landmarks by the Ministry of Culture. The decree cancels old street and building lines, establishes new ones, divides Block 34 into two sections (Blocks 34 and 34A) linked by a 5-meter pedestrian walkway, and creates a public-use area.
For Block 34A, the decree defines land uses, including residential areas, small sports and cultural facilities, administrative spaces, venues for public gatherings and conferences, commercial shops and service providers. However, supermarkets, department stores, shopping malls, and exhibition centers are excluded. Additional permitted uses include offices, research centers, business incubators, dining establishments, recreational spaces, tourist accommodations, and public transportation facilities.
For the heritage buildings of the FIX industrial complex, brewing and ice production facilities are also allowed.
“The FIX Brewery complex, constructed in the late 19th century, stands at Thessaloniki’s western entrance in the city’s former industrial zone. Close to the coastline and commercial port, it represents an exemplary piece of industrial and architectural heritage. It is a symbol of Thessaloniki’s industrial development during the 19th century across key production sectors like flour milling (ALATINI), textiles (YFANET), and brewing (FIX). The complex remains a pivotal reference point for the western industrial zone of the modern city, encompassing infrastructure networks, railways, and port facilities.
The Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Energy, aims to restore and repurpose this landmark of industrial architecture, preserving it as a testimony to Thessaloniki’s industrial history and its alignment with 19th-century European industrial standards,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.
“The redevelopment following the Presidential Decree will create a new cultural landmark in Thessaloniki with a strong developmental footprint. Beyond restoring the heritage site, it incorporates modern cultural functions to enhance the city’s and port’s cultural appeal,” she added.
Deputy Environment and Energy Minister Nikos Tagaras remarked:
“The Presidential Decree for the former FIX Brewery marks the beginning of an important metropolitan redevelopment project that will elevate the city as a whole and create a new landmark.
The project saves and repurposes the historic, abandoned buildings while allowing for the construction of new facilities, blending old and new elements. Public spaces such as pedestrian pathways and squares will also be created, offering accessible spaces for citizens and visitors.”
“The Ministry of Environment and Energy, through a coordinated and methodical approach, decisively supports developmental projects that improve our cities’ appearance and living standards,” Tagaras concluded.