Historical buildings that remained unused for years are gaining new life. Abandoned spaces are being transformed into parks and recreational areas. Squares are becoming meeting points again, while new social, educational and sports infrastructure is creating better conditions for the everyday life of citizens.
These are just some of the changes that are underway in the cities of Cyprus through projects implemented within the framework of the THALIA 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy Programme with the co-financing of the European Union.
From the renovation of the Old GSP and the regeneration of the Old Municipal Market of Nicosia, to new parks in Larnaca and Limassol, interventions in Kato Paphos and modern sports facilities in Sotira, the investments of the THALIA 2021-2027 programme are gradually transforming Cypriot cities into greener, more functional and more humane spaces.
The THALIA 2021-2027 programme, with a total budget of €1.8 billion, of which €969 million comes from the European Union's Cohesion Policy Funds and the remaining €842 million from the state budget, is the country's main development tool for the implementation of projects in a wide range of sectors, from spatial development and green transition to entrepreneurship, employment, education and social inclusion.
Here are 10+1 characteristic projects that show, in practice, how the EU's Cohesion Policy contributes to changing the image of a neighbourhood, a city — and with it the daily life of the people who live there.
1. Redevelopment of the Old GSP Stadium
A space directly connected to the history of Nicosia has acquired a completely new use. The Old GSP Stadium was transformed into a modern green and recreational space in the heart of the capital, with an urban park, an outdoor amphitheatre, a multi-purpose hall, dining areas and two underground parking levels.
The project, with a budget of €27.3 million, was implemented by the Municipality of Nicosia between November 2021 and February 2025.
2. The Old Municipal Market becomes a Center for Research and Innovation
Within the walls of Nicosia, another historic building has gained new life. The Old Municipal Market of Nicosia has been restored and expanded and today hosts the functions of the CYENS Center of Excellence, with laboratories, workspaces and application demonstration areas, seminar rooms, multimedia studios and other research and innovation infrastructure.
The project, with a budget of €7.8 million, was implemented by the Municipality of Nicosia between January 2021 and December 2023.
The project was selected by the European Commission among the 25 finalists of the REGIOSTARS Awards 2026, which highlight outstanding Cohesion Policy projects from across Europe. The final evaluation will take place in Brussels in October.
3. Salina Municipal Park in Larnaca
A new green lung has been created in the heart of Larnaca. The Salina Municipal Park has been transformed into a modern and accessible green space for sports, entertainment, relaxation and social interaction for people of all ages. It is a comprehensive urban intervention that combines nature with modern urban design.
The project, with a budget of €3.2 million, was implemented by the Municipality of Larnaca between April 2023 and November 2024.
4. Park on Gauguin Street in Limassol
In Zakaki, a public space has been transformed into a place for sports, entertainment and getting together. The park on Gauguin Street features an event square, sports and recreation areas, a playground, an open-air theatre and more greenery.
The project, with a budget of €2.3 million, was implemented by the Limassol Municipality between September 2022 and August 2024.
5. Revitalisation of the Urban Area of Kato Paphos
Streets, sidewalks, pedestrian streets and squares in Kato Paphos were reconstructed and remodeled, aiming for a more functional, safe and attractive area for residents and visitors.
The intervention also includes modern urban equipment and the enhancement of green spaces, contributing to improving accessibility and highlighting important historical and cultural sites in the area.
The project, with a budget of €6.4 million, was implemented by the Municipality of Paphos between February 2023 and July 2024.
6. Space for Sports Activities and Healthy Engagement in Sotira
A new multi-purpose sports and recreation centre has been created in Sotira, which is aimed at all ages. It includes a multi-purpose field, games, outdoor exercise equipment, relaxation areas and greenery, with accessibility provisions for vulnerable groups of the population.
The project, with a budget of €900,000, was implemented by the Municipality of Ayia Napa between June 2024 and July 2025.
7. Redevelopment of the Square and Beautification of Facades in Zouhouri
The historic Zouhouri area in Larnaca has acquired a new image, with new paving stones, green and relaxation areas, space for small events, facilities for people with disabilities and restoration of the facades of the surrounding buildings.
The project, with a budget of €2.9 million, was implemented by the Municipality of Larnaca between September 2020 and November 2022.
8. Paphos Historical Documentation Centre
The Old Central Police Station of Paphos was restored and reused as a Historical Documentation Centre, creating a new cultural space dedicated to the historical and cultural identity of the city.
The intervention also includes landscaping the surrounding area, with greenery, recreational areas, pedestrian walkways, a pedestrian bridge and modern urban equipment.
The project, with a budget of €12.7 million, was implemented by the Municipality of Paphos between December 2023 and April 2026.
9. Redevelopment of the Outer Perimetre Arc of the Nicosia Moat
A continuous and accessible walking and cycling route is gradually being created around the Venetian walls of the capital, with green spaces, new lighting, viewing points and "smart city" infrastructure.
The project budget amounts to €10.4 million and is being implemented by the Municipality of Nicosia with a completion date of November 2027.
10. University School of the Technical University of Cyprus in Paphos
The new School of Tourism, Hospitality and Management of the Technical University of Cyprus (CUT-TEPAK) is housed in a modern, energy-efficient building in Paphos, with classrooms, amphitheaters, laboratories, a library, study spaces and shared infrastructure.
The building can accommodate up to 1,000 students and 40 staff members, while enhancing the student presence and revitalization of the surrounding area.
The project, with a budget of €20 million, was implemented by the Municipality of Paphos between December 2021 and September 2023.
+1. Municipal Center for Social Programs "Municipal Apartment Buildings of Ploutis Servas"
Urban upgrading does not only concern streets, squares and parks. It also concerns the services that are close to the citizen.
In Limassol, the historic workers' apartment buildings of "Ploutis Servas" erected after World War II were restored and, together with a new three-story building, transformed into a modern multi-purpose social services center. Its premises house municipal social support programs and actions of organisations that address different groups in society, such as the Youth Organization, the Cyprus University of Technology and the Cyprus Bar Association.
A typical example of how the preservation of architectural heritage can be combined with a new use that serves the modern needs of the city. The project, with a total budget of €6.5 million, was implemented by the Limassol Municipality and was completed in January 2023.
From the reuse of historic buildings to the creation of new green spaces and social infrastructure, these projects show a different dimension of Cohesion Policy: investments that not only change the image of cities, but the way people experience them every day.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
