A citizens’ group called Initiative for a Humane Engomi has voiced strong opposition to development plans for a new avenue in Nicosia, claiming the project contradicts sustainable urban mobility principles and threatens residential neighbourhoods.
The proposed Macedonia Avenue would be situated approximately 500 metres from the existing Lefkotheou Avenue and would cut through residential areas including East Makedonitissa and Montparnasse, according to the initiative’s statement.
The project, which was originally planned in the 1970s when the area was primarily agricultural rather than residential, is being promoted by the Ministry of Transport and the Department of Town Planning despite significant local opposition.
According to the national budget, the 1,200-metre Macedonia Avenue project is expected to cost €15.6 million, with total expenditure potentially exceeding €25 million when land expropriation costs are included.
The initiative criticised authorities for using the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) as a “Trojan horse” to fund car-centric infrastructure projects that contradict the philosophy of sustainable urban development.
“Engomi will be transformed into a thoroughfare for vehicle traffic from the western areas,” the group stated.
Transport planning experts note that many European cities are moving away from building new urban highways in favour of public transport solutions and pedestrian-friendly development.
The group has called on relevant authorities, including the Nicosia District Local Government Organisation and Nicosia Municipality, to address citizens’ concerns and reconsider what they describe as “anachronistic planning” that threatens Engomi’s residential character.
The Ministry of Transport has not yet responded to requests for comment on the citizens’ concerns or provided details about any environmental impact assessments conducted for the proposed development.
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