Dorita Yiannakou
The Nicosia Municipality, Nicosia district MPs, and residents of Engomi are increasing pressure on the government to reconsider its plans for developing the State Fair site. The issue is expected to see significant developments in the coming period, as discussions are already underway.
The government’s primary concern revolves around the site's viability if it is converted into a park.
Meeting Between Nicosia Mayor and Finance Ministry
According to K, an official meeting took place on Friday between Nicosia Mayor Haralambos Prountzos and Finance Ministry officials overseeing the project. The goal was to present and assess each side’s proposals. While both parties agree on the need for development in Nicosia, they have yet to reach a consensus on how the land should be used.
The mayor’s proposal envisions transforming the site into a Metropolitan Park for Western Nicosia, incorporating the following elements:
1. A Citizen Service Centre
2. A café with natural materials and a playground
3. Transit routes
4. Calisthenics facilities
5. Cycling/BMX tracks
6. Cycling and hiking paths
7. An underground rainwater tank
8. A new bus station
9. A pedestrian bridge over Lefkotheou Avenue
10. Tennis, futsal, and padel courts
11. A multi-story building with underground parking
12. Landscaping and renovation of existing areas
Municipality’s Position: A Green Space for Nicosia
Mayor Prountzos reiterated his commitment to converting the State Fair site into a public park, a key promise from his election campaign. The Nicosia City Council has urged the government to reverse all previous decisions supporting concrete-heavy development and instead commit to creating a national park at the site.
While the municipality and local representatives advocate for an urban park, the government’s vision includes a conference center, exhibition space, and innovation hub.
Prountzos has also proposed a dual redevelopment project, inspired by Athens’ Botaniko model. Under this plan:
- The State Fair site would become a metropolitan park, addressing the lack of green space in Engomi.
- The SOPAZ area in Kaimakli would house conference venues, an innovation district, and modern residential developments, helping revitalize the neighborhood.
MPs from the Nicosia district unanimously support the proposal. In a recent meeting with the Nicosia City Council, they emphasized the importance of providing residents of western Nicosia with their own large-scale park.
A formal letter outlining the dual redevelopment plan will be sent to President Nicos Christodoulides next week.
Government’s Perspective: A Mixed-Use Development
According to Aliki Sergi, head of the Finance Ministry’s Strategy and Reforms Directorate, the government is considering an urban park with strategic uses to ensure the site’s long-term sustainability. The plan includes:
- A conference center
- An exhibition space
- An innovation hub
- Green spaces and cycling paths
Sergi confirmed that the government is open to studying the municipality’s proposal and expects to revisit the issue in two weeks.
Engomi Residents Mobilize for a Park
Engomi residents have actively campaigned for the State Fair site to become a fully accessible park with outdoor sports areas. Louisa Mavromati, who launched the "A More Human Engomi" initiative three years ago, told K that the community wants running tracks and safe exercise spaces for all ages and abilities.
Mavromati has gathered 4,000 signatures from Engomi residents and other citizens in support of the park plan. She argues that Innovation and Entrepreneurship Zones are typically placed in underdeveloped areas—not in Engomi, which is already well-developed. Instead, she believes the park is crucial to maintaining residents’ quality of life.
She also highlighted that President Christodoulides had pledged his support for the project during his election campaign.
Christodoulides Previously Opposed Construction Plans
Before his election, President Christodoulides indicated that he opposed the previous government's plan to develop the site with commercial and residential projects. In a written response to a questionnaire from the Green Party, he expressed agreement with canceling those plans in favor of a forest park. He also stated that he would consider relocating the innovation zone to another area.
What the Previous Government Planned
Under the previous administration, the State Fair site was slated for redevelopment to include innovation spaces, an exhibition center, and a green space. In September 2022, the Council of Ministers approved the creation of an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Zone at the site.
However, with the current government reconsidering its approach and mounting public pressure, the final decision remains uncertain.
*This article was translated and summarized from its Greek original
