Dorita Yiannakou
The Nicosia Municipality is pushing the government to rethink its plans for the State Fair site, with the issue heating up as discussions intensify between local leaders and officials. Recently, Nicosia’s Mayor, Charalambos Prountzos, met with Ministry of Finance representatives to present their respective proposals. While both parties agree on the need for development in Nicosia, they’re still divided over the land use plan for the area.
Mayor Prountzos has put forward a bold vision: transforming the State Fair site in Egomi into a Metropolitan Park for Western Nicosia. This proposal, first shared during his election campaign, envisions a green oasis for the city. The plan includes a Citizen Service Centre, a café built with natural materials, a playground, sports facilities like calisthenics and cycling areas, an underground rainwater tank, a new bus station, and even a pedestrian bridge over Lefkotheou Avenue. Plus, tennis, futsal, and pedal courts, a multi-story building with underground parking, and landscaped spaces to connect it all.
The City Council is backing this vision, urging the government to reconsider past decisions and turn the site into a national park. Prountzos suggests a transitional period of up to 36 months, allowing key facilities to stay in place while the space slowly transforms. Meanwhile, he’s proposed moving congress venues, innovation centres, and modern residential developments to the SOPAZ area in Kaimakli—a place in need of revitalization, especially since Egomi is already well-developed but lacking a large green space.
Nicosia’s MPs are standing united behind the Mayor’s proposal. They made it clear in recent meetings that Western Nicosia desperately needs its own park—a space where citizens can come together, exercise, and unwind. Mayor Prountzos has prepared a letter with detailed plans for the redevelopment, which he’ll send to President Nicos Christodoulides next week, hoping to secure the President’s support for this transformative project.
On the other side, the government is working on its own vision for the State Fair site, aiming for a blend of urban parkland and strategic uses. Aliki Sergi, head of the Ministry’s Strategy and Reforms Directorate, confirmed that the government’s plan includes an urban park, a conference centre, exhibition spaces, and an innovation centre. There will also be extensive green areas and cycle paths. However, the government is still considering the Nicosia Municipality’s proposal and plans to make its decision in the next two weeks.
Meanwhile, Egomi residents, led by Louisa Mavromati, are taking matters into their own hands. Mavromati, who started the campaign for a more people-friendly Egomi three years ago, has gathered 4,000 signatures in support of a park that will serve as a community hub for all ages and mobility levels. The proposed park would feature safe running paths, green spaces, and accessible areas for everyone. Mavromati argued that while innovation zones are often placed in underdeveloped areas abroad, Egomi is already thriving, and a park here is vital for maintaining the residents' quality of life.
She also reminded the public of a key promise made by President Christodoulides during his pre-election campaign: transforming the State Fair site into a park. Christodoulides had committed to canceling the previous government’s plans and moving forward with a green space that would serve both environmental and community needs.
Previously, under the former administration, the State Fair site was slated for an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Zone, along with an exhibition centre and green spaces. However, in September 2022, the Council of Ministers approved a new plan that seeks to balance development with environmental preservation.
*This article was translated from its Greek original and summarized
