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Construction is underway on the first phase of the Pedieos River/Kandelire rehabilitation project, a major EU-backed effort to turn the river corridor into a vibrant space for recreation and cross-community interaction in Nicosia. The project is being implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) as part of the Support Program for the Turkish Cypriot community.
The first phase covers 1.2 kilometers and includes a two-lane bicycle path, sidewalks, and green areas along the northern section of the river. Work started in November and is expected to be finished by January 2026, linking the north and south sides of the UN Buffer Zone through the Ledra Palace crossing.
Currently, only the southern section of the river serves as a recreational space, leaving the northern section neglected for years. The project aims to revitalize the river, protect local flora and fauna, and create a space where people from both communities can meet, exercise, and relax.
The broader plan envisions a 3.7-kilometer linear park stretching along the Pedieos River/Kandelire, including sections north and south of the Buffer Zone. The park will feature walking and cycling paths, recreational areas, and preserved nature spots, directly benefiting an estimated 175,000 annual visitors, with indirect benefits for both the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities.
“This initiative is about more than just paths and greenery,” the EU said in a statement. “It’s designed to improve physical, mental, and social health, provide spaces that meet local needs, and strengthen ties between communities.”
The project follows a detailed planning process. The feasibility study was conducted by the EU in 2018 and completed in 2019, with a sustainability plan developed alongside the Turkish Cypriot community. Design services were finalized in September 2024, property checks are set for February 2026, and procurement wrapped up in September 2025.
With construction now underway, officials hope the restored river corridor will become a family-friendly hub for cycling, walking, and social interaction, while reconnecting a long-neglected section of Nicosia with the rest of the city.
*With information from UNDP.org
