The Municipality of Nicosia is close to making decisions on the utilisation of the State Fairgrounds area and the Sopaz area.
As the Mayor of Nicosia Charalambos Prountzos has informed the House Home Affairs Committee, the study for the utilisation of the State Fairgrounds area, in combination with the development in Sopaz, has been completed, according to which specific developments are being launched.
More specifically, the creation of a metropolitan park in the State Fairgrounds area and the creation of an innovation zone in the Sopaz area are the preferred options.
In his statements on the subject, Prountzos noted that after four decades of continuous urban development and construction activity in the Engomi area and with a complete absence of a large green lung in the whole of West Nicosia, it is time to take decisive steps in this direction.
He also said that the Municipality has requested a fund of two million euros for the restoration of the existing State Fairgrounds space, while also ensuring the activities of the exhibitors. "It is urgent to provide the funds for the immediate works, so that as a transitional stage, the state exhibition space can continue to host people for recreation as well as exhibitors who have immediate professional needs," he noted.
Prountzos also informed the MPs that in March, the Presidency of the Republic is expected to convene a three-member Committee, consisting of the Municipality of Nicosia, the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the central government, in order to investigate the findings of the study and make final decisions on both the State Fairgrounds and Sopaz locations.
"The largest metropolitan park in Cyprus will be built on the State Fairgrounds site with less than 10% of the built environment and with uses that are consistent with the character of the area," he said. The Mayor also expressed satisfaction with parliamentary scrutiny, which he said is accelerating developments and expressed confidence that final decisions will be made in the coming months.
In relation to the study for the Sopaz area, Prountzos stated that it includes a conference and exhibition space, while noting that specific incentives have been recorded for all uses related to the Sopaz, which could certainly improve its attractiveness as an investment opportunity.
He also added that, in collaboration with the Nicosia District Government Organisation, rainwater retention lakes are also being promoted, which will help with flood control in Engomi, and will also help with the irrigation of the West Nicosia metropolitan park.
On 13 February, Mayor Prountzos also issued a written statement outlining the plans for the two areas. It can be read below, translated from the original Greek:
Written Statement by the Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos
"The creation of the West Nicosia Metropolitan Park at the State Exhibition site is progressing rapidly
The creation of the Metropolitan Park of West Nicosia, at the State Exhibition Grounds, is progressing at a rapid pace. Its implementation will create the largest park in Cyprus, approximately five times larger than the next largest. A compact, large green lung, which is a fundamental human right and a necessity for present and future generations.
The three-member Committee (Government, Municipality of Nicosia and Nicosia Chamber of Commerce & Industry) will meet for the second time in March to make decisions. In the meantime, the following are progressing:
- The viability study for the SOPAZ has been completed, on the basis of which the way is opened for the implementation of the Metropolitan Park.
- The estimate for the cost of immediate restoration work, demolition and removal of unwanted materials at the site has been completed and the approval of the relevant budget is awaited.
- An architectural competition announcement for the landscaping of the site was agreed with the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber.
- The full study by the Department of Public Works for the evaluation of the kiosks that the Municipality of Nicosia recommends be preserved will be delivered within March.
- The "Phaeton" Center of Excellence of the University of Cyprus has completed the evaluation for covering the energy needs of the space with green energy from the roofs of the pavilions that will remain.
- The questionnaire for the revision of the Local Plan was submitted to the Department of Town Planning and Housing, with the explicit inclusion of the Metropolitan Park of West Nicosia as a project of vital importance and with the rejection of the interconnection of Iroon Avenue in Engomi with Macedonia Avenue.
- There is a specific proposal from the Deputy Ministry of Culture for the utilisation of the Hellenic Pavilion and Hall A for the Museum of Contemporary Art, and a relevant decision is expected from the Council of Ministers.
- In full cooperation with the Municipality of Nicosia, the District Local Government Organisation (EOA) is ready to undertake the project of the rainwater retention lakes at the Exhibition and under the Nicosia Airport. The cost is being updated and the inclusion of the fund in the state budget is expected. This is a crucial flood control project for Engomi and Ayios Dhometios, which has been discussed for decades and is finally on track for implementation.
- There is full agreement with the Exhibitors Association, the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Invest Cyprus on the transitional arrangements proposed for the restoration and beautification of the space.
- A large, open consultation with society is planned very soon before the announcement of the architectural competition, as transparency is a basic political principle.
Yesterday's meeting of the Interior Committee confirmed that there is great consensus now, based on the decision of the Nicosia Municipal Council. We warmly thank the Chairman and Members of the Committee, as well as those who participated.
Nicosia is confidently moving forward into a new page, for healthier citizens, for a more humane and more sustainable city."
(Source: InBusinessNews)
