The Mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos, has outlined the next procedural steps for the creation of the Metropolitan Park of Western Nicosia at the State Fairgrounds, as well as developments concerning the SOPAZ site. A second meeting of the three-member committee overseeing the park project is scheduled within March to take key decisions.
In a written statement, the Mayor said progress is being made at a fast pace, with parallel administrative and technical procedures under way.
Committee procedures and institutional coordination
Regarding the development of the Metropolitan Park of Western Nicosia at the State Fairgrounds, the Mayor stated that the three-member Committee, comprising the Government, the Nicosia Municipality and the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will convene for a second time within March in order to take decisions.
He added that, in full cooperation with the Nicosia Municipality, the EOA is ready to undertake the construction of stormwater retention lakes at the Exhibition grounds and beneath Nicosia Airport.
According to the Mayor, the project cost is being updated and the inclusion of the relevant allocation in the state budget is expected. He described the works as a critical flood protection project for Engomi and Agios Dometios, noting that it has been discussed for decades and is now entering the implementation phase.
Parliamentary discussion and public consultation
Charalambos Prountzos also referred to the recent meeting of the House Internal Affairs Committee, stating that it confirmed broad consensus based on a decision of the Nicosia Municipal Council.
He further noted agreement with the Exhibitors Association, the Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Invest Cyprus on transitional arrangements proposed for the restoration and upgrading of the site.
According to the statement, a large open public consultation will be organised before the announcement of the architectural competition, with transparency described as a fundamental political principle.
Viability study and architectural competition for SOPAZ
The Mayor stated that the viability study for the SOPAZ site has been completed. Based on this study, the way is opened for the implementation of the Metropolitan Park project.
He added that the cost assessment for immediate restoration works, demolitions and the removal of nuisance factors at the site has been finalised and approval of the relevant budget allocation is pending.
An agreement has been reached with the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber for the announcement of an architectural competition concerning the landscaping of the area. Within March, the full study prepared by the Public Works Department on the evaluation of the pavilions proposed by the Nicosia Municipality for retention will be delivered.
Energy planning and planning framework procedures
The Mayor further stated that the Centre of Excellence “Phaethon” of the University of Cyprus has completed an assessment on covering the energy needs of the site through green energy generated from the roofs of the pavilions that will remain.
In addition, a questionnaire has been submitted to the Department of Town Planning and Housing regarding the revision of the Local Plan. The submission explicitly includes the Metropolitan Park of Western Nicosia as a project of vital importance and rejects the proposed connection of Iroon Avenue in Engomi with Makariou Avenue.
Proposal for cultural use of exhibition pavilions
According to the statement, the Deputy Ministry of Culture has submitted a specific proposal for the utilisation of the Greece Pavilion and Hall A for the Museum of Contemporary Art. A relevant decision from the Council of Ministers is pending.
Source: CNA