Nicosia’s Ledra street set for €3.4 million facelift after decades of waiting

One of the busiest and most recognizable parts of Nicosia’s old town is about to get a long-awaited makeover, as restoration works along the Ledra–Onasagorou pedestrian area are set to begin shortly after Easter.

City officials announced that the first phase of the redevelopment project will start in mid-April 2026, focusing on upgrading the facades of 89 buildings in the heart of the capital’s walled city. The works are expected to take about 18 months to complete and carry a cost of €3.44 million plus VAT.

The project forms part of a broader effort to revitalize neighborhoods along the Green Line and give new momentum to the historic center, an area that blends tourism, commerce and everyday city life.

Speaking during a presentation at Nicosia City Hall, Mayor Charalambos Prountzos described the initiative as a coordinated effort decades in the making, noting that similar large-scale interventions have not taken place in the area for 34 years.

A facelift stretching nearly two kilometers

Phase A will cover roughly 20,000 square meters of building facades, with restoration works ultimately extending across nearly two kilometers of streetscape. In total, facade improvements are expected to reach about 29,500 square meters.

The upgrades will go beyond cosmetic changes. Planned works include repairing carved stone details, restoring plaster surfaces, fixing balconies and metal railings, replacing worn window and door frames, installing new gutters, and removing the visual clutter of cables and wires running across buildings. Commercial signage will also be upgraded to create a more cohesive look.

City officials say the goal is to preserve the character of the area while improving its appearance and functionality.

Ledra and Onasagorou streets feature buildings from multiple eras, from traditional urban homes and neoclassical structures to modernist and contemporary additions, making architectural authenticity a key priority in the redesign.

More phases on the way

A second phase, scheduled to begin in July 2026, will expand facade improvements to another 51 buildings. That stage is expected to last 12 months and cost €1.5 million plus VAT.

Meanwhile, preparations are already underway for a later phase focusing on street reconstruction. Authorities plan to hold four one-day public consultations with residents and business owners to gather feedback before finalizing those plans.

The project presentation concluded with an open discussion between officials, property owners and attendees, who raised questions and offered suggestions, a sign, city leaders said, that the transformation of the historic center is intended to be shaped together with the community.

If completed as planned, officials hope the upgrades will give the walled city a refreshed look while preserving the charm that makes it one of Nicosia’s most visited districts.