Newsroom
According to a report by Kathimerini's Dorita Yiannakou, Nicosia residents have been eagerly awaiting the completion of the city’s largest public square and green spaces, a redevelopment of the old GSP stadium that has been delayed by over a year. Originally set for completion by November 2023, the €19.7 million ($21 million) project has been stalled by weather, complex earthworks, and technical challenges, leaving residents uncertain about when it will finally be ready.
Despite these delays, the redevelopment project is poised to transform Nicosia’s urban landscape. The new square will have a capacity of 18,000 people, making it the largest in the city, and will feature two underground parking facilities with 554 spaces, including 108 spaces for electric vehicles and 33 for people with disabilities. The site will also house a 750-seat amphitheater, cafes, restaurants, green spaces, and a small museum dedicated to the GSP stadium’s history.
One intriguing detail is that while construction is wrapping up, the commercial spaces will be delivered as a "cold shell," meaning future tenants of the restaurants and cafes will be able to design and customize the interiors to suit their needs. This unique setup is part of the municipality's effort to revitalize the area with modern, flexible spaces. The project, co-financed by the EU Cohesion Fund, has already seen its budget increase due to delays, potentially adding to the financial burden on Nicosia’s taxpayers.
With the project nearing completion, the Nicosia Municipality is now preparing to lease the commercial spaces, even as the final stages of construction continue. Authorities hope the square will be a bustling public hub by this autumn, despite the ongoing challenges.
