Nicosia’s Ambitious Plans for Urban Renewal
Nicosia is pressing ahead with the Sopaz redevelopment and the future of the old state fair grounds, two projects seen as interconnected developments poised to reshape the capital.
- Nicosia is pressing ahead with the Sopaz redevelopment and the future of the old state fair grounds, two projects seen as interconnected developments poised to reshape the capital.
Community Support for Green Spaces
According to a report from Philenews, the municipality is treating these projects as complementary to each other. Mayor Charalambos Prountzos highlighted a municipal survey indicating that 90 per cent of local residents favour transforming the state fair grounds into a metropolitan park. This proposed park would cover an impressive 250,000 square metres, addressing a long-standing shortage of green space in Engomi, which has increasingly become dominated by housing and concrete.
Plans Moving Forward
The government, alongside local community and parliamentary support, appears to be shifting towards the park concept. Relevant studies for the park are anticipated within the next two to three months. If approved, it would stand as the largest park in Cyprus, while only around 10 per cent of the area would remain dedicated to cultural, sports, educational, and exhibition uses.
Transitioning the State Fair Grounds
While the state fair moved to Makedonitissa in the early 1970s, the old grounds have hosted various events, from exhibitions to concerts. The new plans mark a significant departure from a cabinet decision made in September 2022, which aimed to establish a “research and tech zone” featuring offices, a hotel, and a conference centre. Local opposition has also led to the shelving of a proposed park-and-ride station near the site.
Strategic Steps for Sopaz Redevelopment
Simultaneously, progress at Sopaz is gaining momentum. The municipality has engaged an international consultancy to conduct a viability study, scheduled for completion in 2025. Additionally, there are plans to merge at least four state-owned plots with existing land, expanding the redevelopment area to over 300,000 square metres. This project envisions an exhibition and conference centre, along with facilities for sports, culture, housing, and green spaces.
Improving Accessibility
Accessibility to Sopaz is being enhanced with the ongoing reconstruction of Famagusta Avenue, which will directly connect the site to the highway via the University of Cyprus. This infrastructure improvement aims to facilitate easier access from both the city centre and surrounding areas.
Public Sentiment and Future Engagement
The interconnection of the state fair grounds and Sopaz redevelopment has seemingly unlocked their progress. The municipality asserts that the state fair can function as a green lung for Nicosia while temporarily accommodating a limited number of pavilions until all exhibition activities transition to Sopaz. Public sentiment is strongly in favour of the Metropolitan Park, with residents expressing eagerness for its creation on social media, especially as Nicosia ranks low among European capitals for green space.
Involving the Community in Decision-Making
Local authorities are committed to holding public consultations and presentations, ensuring community involvement in shaping the project. The government is expected to appoint a representative to a tripartite committee alongside the municipality and council to oversee the final planning and decision-making process.
Presidential Support for Urban Development
President Nikos Christodoulides has indicated his backing for these initiatives, linking them to a broader plan of over 80 projects worth more than €1 billion for Nicosia and its suburbs. In June, he described this programme as a “coherent and progressive plan” aimed at tackling urban challenges while enhancing the quality of life for residents.