Following the recent presentation of the comprehensive design for the “Nest of the Double-Headed Eagle” by PAOK FC, the process is proceeding according to schedule.
The next major milestones include obtaining a building permit by the end of 2026, the start of construction in the summer of 2027, and completion in approximately 40 months—which places the handover of the new stadium at the end of 2030. All of this, of course, is contingent on the necessary and government-announced condition that the team will have a suitable stadium to use during the construction period.
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This refers to the still-derelict Kaftanzoglio Stadium, which remains in the same condition, one year after the government’s initial announcement and commitment to allocate €11,500,000 for its complete renovation and reconstruction.
It should be recalled that last March, the contract granting PAOK the right to use the Kaftanzoglio Stadium for five years was signed. However, this involves the use of a stadium that still does not meet any suitability criteria.
During the recent Thessaloniki International Trade Fair (TIF), the program agreement was signed to begin implementation of the upgrade projects (replacement of the track surface, seats, electromechanical equipment, etc.). The Deputy Minister of Sports, Yiannis Vroutsis, spoke again about the “OAKA of Northern Greece” and stated that “the bulldozers will roll in within the year.” Time, however, is running dangerously short and is causing intense concern on the part of the Double-Headed Eagle.
The time pressure is relentless
Although the government is expediting the procedures, the summer of 2027 is the deadline PAOK is pushing for, as that is when the team is set to move into a fully completed Kaftanzoglio Stadium so that work on “New Toumba” can begin.
The timeframe for completing the projects is extremely tight, with the construction phase estimated to take approximately 6 to 8 months. The time pressure seems even greater, as any legal complications (e.g., objections to the tenders) during the contractor selection process in November could throw the entire schedule off track.
*photo source: CNA
