Dorita Yiannakou
The long-awaited redevelopment of the old GSP site is nearly complete and is set to be handed over to the Nicosia Municipality in March. During a recent press tour of the site, officials confirmed that only final system checks and evaluations are needed before the project’s official completion. The Municipality hopes that the project will not only serve as a key urban renewal initiative but will also be embraced by both Nicosia residents and visitors alike. The redevelopment aims to enhance Nicosia’s sustainability and bring new life to the area.
Located in the heart of Nicosia's business district, the old GSP site is being transformed from a stadium into a vibrant park surrounded by greenery. Designed with easy access for the public in mind, the space will serve as an attractive public hub. The design concept pays homage to the old stadium, incorporating stadium-like structures with roofs covered in lush greenery.
In addition to green spaces, the redevelopment will feature a new Citizen Service Centre (CSC) located in the semi-basement of the site. The CSC, expected to serve thousands of citizens, will open in the next two months, pending necessary approvals. This new addition comes after the Nicosia Municipality decided to relocate the CSC, following the closure of the old facility on Makarios Avenue.
The project also includes the construction of an outdoor amphitheater, a multi-purpose hall, cafés, and various retail spaces. The Municipality has partnered with Cyprus Public Transport to introduce 18-seat minibuses that will transport residents from the old GSP site to the city’s historic center, easing congestion and encouraging the use of public transportation.
Greener Spaces and More Trees
During construction, more trees were planted than originally planned, further enhancing the park’s green areas. As for the commercial areas, the Nicosia Municipality is currently preparing the tender terms to select a manager or management group for the shops, cafés, and other businesses. This process will continue until the end of the year. The commercial spaces will be delivered as a "cold shell," allowing future tenants to customize the interiors as they see fit. The Municipality prefers a single manager for all the commercial spaces to maintain a high level of coordination and quality.
The new car park, which was completed by Christmas, offers 554 spaces, including 33 for people with disabilities, 28 for those with reduced mobility, and 108 for electric vehicles. The car park will also feature 12 charging points. Additionally, 150 parking spaces will be reserved for staff at the Ministry of Finance.
Connecting Nicosia’s Heart to Its New Hub
The redevelopment project will also include a pedestrianized road linking the Municipal Theatre area to the new Cyprus Museum, through the unified moat in Eleftherias Square. This new connection will enhance mobility and provide easier access to both the old GSP site and the upgraded shopping center.
With a budget of around €27 million, the project is funded through the EU's Cohesion Policy Programme "THALEIA 2021-2027," which covers 60% of the total cost. The remaining 40% is shared between the Cypriot state and the Nicosia Municipality.
The Bigger Picture for Nicosia
Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Pruntzos emphasized that the redevelopment project is part of a broader plan to upgrade the city. He pointed out that this initiative will connect with other EU-funded projects, including the redevelopment of the Makarios-Stasikratous-Evagorou shopping triangle, Eleftherias Square, and surrounding areas. These projects are vital to transforming Nicosia into a modern, sustainable city.
Although the project has faced delays due to weather conditions, extensive excavation work, and other technical challenges, it is now nearing completion. Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for Development, Polly Papavassiliou, noted that EU funding for Cohesion Policy Programmes has played a crucial role in developing major projects that improve citizens' quality of life.
One of the most distinctive elements of the project is the preservation of the old stadium's roller blind, which has been relocated to the center of the new GSP square, offering a nod to the site's history.
The design of the redevelopment, which won first prize in an architectural competition, was developed by a consortium of architects: Yannis Kizis, Konstantis Kizis, Grigoris Patsalosavvis, and Thymis Dugas. The project is being executed by the Cyfield Construction – Cyfield Development J.V.
*This article was translated and summarized from its Greek original
