Newsroom
A new day centre for people on the autism spectrum is planned for Strovolos, with President Nikos Christodoulides describing the project as a commitment to human dignity, participation and support for families.
Speaking at the Presidential Palace on Friday at an event presenting the results of the architectural competition, Christodoulides said social inclusion required more than public statements, calling for services and infrastructure that allow everyone to participate in community life.
“Social inclusion cannot be achieved through declarations alone,” he wrote in a post on Facebook, adding that it required “accessible services, appropriate infrastructure, specialised staff, continuity of care and practical support for families”.
The centre will be built on state-owned land in the Agios Dimitrios parish of Strovolos. With a gross floor area of approximately 740 square metres, it is designed to accommodate up to 30 people.
The facility will provide day-care services for adults over the age of 22, offering specialised programmes focused on creative activities, personal development, skills training and gradual social integration.
Christodoulides said the project reflected the government's stated commitment to combining individual progress with social solidarity.
“In our view, the quality of a society is reflected in the way it cares for those who need greater support,” he wrote.
“The State sees them, hears them and stands alongside them,” he added, describing the centre as a promise to people on the autism spectrum and their families.
€2 million donation and state funding
The Council of Ministers approved the project on November 19, 2025, alongside the acceptance of a €2 million donation from Eurobank. A memorandum of understanding between the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare and the bank was signed the following month.
Eurobank is financing the architectural studies, design, construction and supervision of the building, including its electrical and mechanical installations and security systems. The bank also organised the open architectural competition in collaboration with the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK).
The government, meanwhile, has committed to providing the land and handling the planning requirements and necessary permits. Once construction is complete and the building has passed the required inspections, the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare will take responsibility for furnishing and equipping the centre, as well as covering its operating and maintenance costs.
Christodoulides thanked Eurobank and its management for the donation and their involvement in delivering the project. He also commended the competition's selection committee and advisers, who assessed 37 submissions.
The Deputy Minister for Social Welfare, Tina Pavlou, said the shortage of suitable facilities could leave adults with autism at greater risk of inactivity, isolation and exclusion from social life, while placing additional pressure on their families.
The new centre is intended to address that gap by providing a dedicated setting for structured activities, skills development and opportunities to participate in the community.
A second centre planned for Famagusta district
The Strovolos project is part of the government's plans for autism support facilities elsewhere in Cyprus.
Christodoulides said work was already under way on a model autism centre in the government-controlled Famagusta district, with a projected cost of €4.5 million included in the state budget.
“The State recognises its responsibility to address the many needs that exist in this particular area,” he wrote.
The President also stressed that social inclusion depended on organising society so that nobody was left on the margins, with every person entitled to live safely, express their creativity and feel part of their community.
For the Strovolos centre, the next stages involve delivering the building infrastructure and preparing the facility for operation, with the state responsible for ensuring it is equipped and maintained once construction is complete.
