Dorita Yiannakou
The long-anticipated redevelopment of the old GSP stadium in the heart of Nicosia is set to be handed over to the public this month, marking a major step in the revitalization of the capital’s historic centre. The project, awarded to the Cyfield Construction – Cyfield Development JV consortium, is now in its final stages, with most sections already completed.
Parking Facilities and Green Spaces
One of the key features of the redevelopment is a new parking facility with 554 spaces, including 33 for disabled drivers and 28 for individuals with reduced mobility. Additionally, 108 spaces for electric vehicles have been included, with 12 operational charging points. A designated 150-space parking area has also been allocated for staff from the Ministry of Finance.
To enhance the aesthetic and environmental appeal of the space, additional trees have been planted beyond the original design. The project features two newly created hillsides—one on the west and another on the east—where trees have already taken root.
New Public Spaces and Connectivity
The redevelopment also includes an outdoor amphitheatre, where installation of the seating has been completed, along with final touches on recreational and supporting areas. However, work is still ongoing in the commercial areas, civic square, and some paved sections of the site.
A new pedestrian route is also under construction, connecting the Municipal Theatre area to the new Cyprus Museum via Eleftherias Square’s unified moat. This pathway is expected to improve accessibility between Nicosia’s historic centre, the old GSP site, and the upgraded shopping district, offering better mobility for residents and visitors alike.
Commercial Areas: A Unified Approach
As previously reported by "K", the Nicosia Municipality will receive the commercial spaces in "cold shell" condition, allowing future shop and café operators to customize their interiors. The municipality is currently finalizing tender terms to appoint a single management group for the commercial spaces.
This unified approach will see one entity overseeing all retail outlets, cafés, and restaurants within the development, as well as managing the playground. The goal is to maintain a high standard of commercial activity in the area.
New Citizen Service Centre and Public Transport Access
The site will also host a new Citizen Service Centre (CCI), expected to serve thousands of residents. This decision comes after the closure of the previous Nicosia CIT on Makarios Avenue, following a legal dispute over the land. The new location will provide essential services to central and eastern Nicosia residents.
To improve accessibility, the Nicosia Municipality has partnered with Cyprus Public Transport to introduce 18-seat minibuses. These shuttles will transport people from the old GSP parking lot to the historic centre and the commercial triangle of Makarios – Stasikratous – Evagorou.
Project Delays and Increased Budget
Originally scheduled for completion in November 2023, the project began on November 10, 2021, with a planned duration of 24 months. However, delays due to weather conditions, additional works, changes to the original plan, and technical challenges—such as deep excavations reaching 11.5 meters—have pushed back the timeline.
As a result, project costs are expected to increase, though the exact figures will only be confirmed upon final delivery. The initial budget stood at €22.6 million plus VAT, covering both construction and 10 years of maintenance.
Funding and Architectural Vision
The redevelopment was designed by architects Yannis Kizis, Kostantis Kizis, Thymi Dugas, and Grigoris Patsalosavvi, following an architectural competition in 2011 and a public referendum in 2009 on the site's future use.
The project is co-financed through the "THALEIA" 2021-27 Programme, with funding from the EU Cohesion Fund, the state budget, and the Nicosia Municipality, as part of the 2021-2027 development framework.
Nicosia’s Largest Square
Once completed, the old GSP site will become Nicosia’s largest urban square, with a capacity for approximately 18,000 people. The redevelopment aims to blend modern urban design with green spaces, recreational areas, and commercial opportunities, creating a vibrant hub in the heart of the capital.
With its new public spaces, improved connectivity, and commercial revitalization, the project is set to transform Nicosia’s historic centre, offering residents and visitors a dynamic new space for work, leisure, and community life.
*This article was translated from its Greek original
