Nicosia plans to turn fairground area into city park for €50 million

The Municipality of Nicosia has presented a preliminary plan to transform the State Fairgrounds area. According to Mayor Charalambos Pruntzos, the total project budget may reach around €50 million, of which €25 million will be needed to renovate eight exhibition pavilions, which are planned to be preserved out of the original 55.

According to the concept, construction will occupy only 10% of the 240,000 square meters, while the remaining area will be turned into a city park. The project includes creating two water retention ponds, which will also be used to irrigate green zones. A bike path connecting the area with the Ayios Dometios district is also planned — funding for this section has already been secured.

The mayor emphasized that the figures presented are indicative. The study of the fairground and adjacent SOPAZ area has already been completed, and final decisions are expected soon. To develop the park's architectural concept, the municipality plans to announce a competition together with the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK).

City authorities opposed the government initiative to connect Makidonas and Iroon avenues through residential neighborhoods. According to Pruntzos, expanding Lefkoteos Avenue for bus traffic makes building a parallel road unnecessary. He also noted that Makarios Avenue should retain its residential street status, rather than becoming a main thoroughfare.

Ideas for using the space include creating a contemporary art museum and possibly preserving the Greek pavilion. However, final decisions on functional use will be made later.

In parallel, the municipality requested €2 million from the government for temporary landscaping work — cleaning the area, repairing electrical networks, and preparing the pavilions before the final plan is approved. A long-term perspective of creating an exhibition and congress center of about 15,000 square meters in the SOPAZ area with private investors is also being considered.

The future of the area has sparked active discussion. Organized residents of the Engomi district insist that the site should be used exclusively as a city park. The technical inspection of existing buildings continues. In March, a tripartite committee involving the government, municipality, and EVEL is expected to review the study results and make further decisions.