The former State Fair site in Engomi will be converted into West Nicosia Park, abandoning proposals for government offices, innovation zones and business exhibition facilities, according to a parliament decision Thursday.
The 250,000 square metre site will retain the Greek pavilion as a permanent reminder of the former fair, while incorporating two rainwater retention lakes. Plans for a Park and Ride facility near Nicosia Mall have been scrapped.
The existing urban bus station represents the sole operational facility likely to remain.
Support for the park conversion comes from the Interior Ministry, Environment Commissioner, Engomi residents and Nicosia Municipality, backed by parliamentary representatives. The Finance Ministry initially objected but appears to be withdrawing opposition as alternative functions will operate at the SOPAZ facility.
Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos said municipal studies covering both the State Fair site and SOPAZ will conclude within 8-12 weeks.
Addressing the parliamentary Interior Committee, Prountzos cited environmental concerns stemming from four decades of concrete development in Egkomi, which created heat islands where temperatures increased by up to 11 degrees Celsius since 2001.
The increase in concrete for residential and commercial purposes is one of the reasons supporting park development instead of utilising the space for other functions, Prountzos said.
Local community support reached 90%, according to Prountzos, who noted western Nicosia lacks compact green spaces comparable to Athalassa, Acropolis or the linear park.
“If we don’t intervene with sustainability measures, I greatly fear that in coming years the lives of future generations will be irreversibly lost in terms of air quality, temperature and access to quality gathering spaces,” Prountzos said.
Committee Chairman Aristos Damianou referenced Finance Ministry correspondence regarding technology zone development, though the ministry continues studying optimal site utilisation.
Environment Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou endorsed the park conversion alongside resident representatives.
Proposed facilities include a Citizen Service Centre, natural materials café with children’s area, fitness equipment, cycling and walking paths, underground rainwater storage, new bus station, pedestrian bridge over Lefkotheos Avenue, tennis courts, futsal and padel facilities, multi-storey building with underground parking, and landscaping improvements.
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