Two major redevelopment projects worth hundreds of millions of euros are expected to move forward by the end of 2027, with plans to transform Nicosia’s former State Fair grounds into a metropolitan park and redevelop the SOPAZ industrial site into an exhibition and conference centre.
Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou outlined the projects during a parliamentary Finance Committee meeting examining his ministry’s 2027 budget, although both developments are expected to take considerable time and funding to complete.
Responding to a question from AKEL MP Aristos Damianou about progress on the SOPAZ redevelopment, Ioannou said the matter had recently been discussed at ministerial level and announcements were expected soon.
The minister said Nicosia Municipality had presented a study for the SOPAZ site.
“I hope there will be announcements soon, meaning both projects will be set in motion by the end of 2027,” he said.
He added that the former State Fair redevelopment would take priority because it was at a more advanced planning stage.
Former State Fair site to become major urban park
Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos wants to transform the former International State Fair grounds in Engomi into the largest urban park in Nicosia, potentially the largest in Cyprus.
The proposed park would cover approximately 240,000 square metres, replacing the abandoned exhibition grounds with extensive greenery, two lakes and recreational facilities.
Under the current plans, buildings would occupy around 10% of the site.
The redevelopment was previously estimated to cost approximately €50 million, including the refurbishment of eight existing exhibition pavilions.
Refurbishing the pavilions alone could cost €25 million.
However, Prountzos previously told parliament’s Interior Committee that these were preliminary estimates and could change as planning progresses.
Of the 55 pavilions that once operated at the site, only eight are expected to remain.
The Nicosia District Local Government Organisation has included two water retention lakes in its plans. These would also provide water for irrigating the park’s green spaces.
A cycle path would connect the park to Agios Dometios.
Other proposals under consideration include establishing a contemporary art museum and finding a new use for the former Greek exhibition pavilion, although no final decisions have been taken.
Sports facilities, public transport and recreational spaces
Prountzos’ original election proposal for the former State Fair grounds included a range of public facilities and infrastructure improvements.
These included retaining the existing Citizen Service Centre, establishing a café built using natural materials, creating a children’s playground and providing areas for calisthenics, cycling and walking.
The proposal also included an underground rainwater reservoir, a new bus station and a pedestrian bridge over Lefkotheou Avenue.
Additional facilities envisaged tennis, futsal and padel courts, alongside a multi-storey building with underground parking and landscaping of existing open spaces.
The redevelopment would mark a significant change from previous proposals for the site, several of which were abandoned.
Previous redevelopment plans abandoned
The former State Fair grounds were initially selected in 2010 as a location for government offices.
However, the proposal faced opposition from the then Engomi Municipality and organised groups.
The government of former President Nicos Anastasiades subsequently decided to seek a strategic investor to develop the property.
Other proposals followed, including an innovation district, a business development zone and new exhibition facilities.
The government commissioned feasibility and spatial planning studies to determine the most suitable use for the land.
One proposal envisaged 83,000 square metres of developable floor space and 167,000 square metres of public areas, including parks, green spaces, playgrounds and places for community activities.
That proposal was also eventually abandoned.
SOPAZ redevelopment to include conference centre and innovation district
The second major project involves transforming the former SOPAZ industrial area into a mixed-use development incorporating conference facilities, research activities, housing and green spaces.
One of the proposed developments is a conference and exhibition centre covering approximately 15,000 square metres.
Prountzos believes redeveloping SOPAZ could improve the surrounding neighbourhoods of Pallouriotissa, Aglantzia and Kaimakli.
The municipality aims to turn the area into an environmentally upgraded district supporting economic, academic and research activities.
A central element would be an innovation district, taking advantage of SOPAZ’s location between two universities.
The proposed innovation district would include offices and laboratories, alongside residential developments.
Plans are also being considered for a new school and sports facilities.
Economic activity could approach €500 million
A feasibility study commissioned for the SOPAZ redevelopment found that the project could generate economic activity approaching €500 million, according to previous statements by Prountzos.
The municipality also decided to launch an architectural ideas competition as part of the planning process.
The mayor said the redevelopment could create new opportunities for housing, business activity and investment.
A major green and recreational area covering tens of thousands of square metres is also envisaged.
New residential buildings would be developed to attract younger residents, while some existing SOPAZ buildings would be renovated and adapted for new uses.
Prountzos has described the project as a potential catalyst for the regeneration of an area that has experienced years of decline.
He believes SOPAZ could become Nicosia’s largest development project and potentially one of the biggest in Cyprus.
