The first student dormitory will be completed this November in the historic centre of Nicosia.
This was announced the other day by the Cypriot Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou.
He noted that within the framework of this project, 13 rooms will be available to students. The investor has reconstructed the historic building, turning it into a dormitory with all the necessary facilities. Ioannou said that currently, investors have submitted 44 applications for the construction of hostels in the city centre, of which 31 have been approved. Seven projects have even received subsidy payments, which will lead to the creation of 125 new student rooms over the next one year. Ioannou added that the government is actively helping those who have expressed a desire to participate in the Programme for the Renovation of Old Buildings and the Construction of New Buildings to cover the housing needs of students in Nicosia.
As a reminder, the total budget of the project is 15 million euros. Within the framework of this initiative, it is possible to receive generous subsidies from the state (the maximum subsidy can be up to €2 million). The approval of the application takes place in several stages:
- The first involves submitting the necessary project documents for consideration.
- The second involves obtaining planning permission.
- The third involves obtaining a construction licence.
- The last stage involves an expert review and the issuance of an opinion from the Archaeological Department and the Fire Brigade.
Ioannou described the historic centre of Nicosia as the ‘heart of the capital’, where the past and the present are in harmony.
He stressed that it is important to recognise the value of the area and to direct investment towards its development in a respectful and responsible manner. The State, and in particular the Ministry of Interior, is actively supporting a comprehensive development plan for the city centre, aimed at revitalising it, supporting small businesses, improving infrastructure and enhancing the quality of the urban environment. Finally, the Minister mentioned that the centre of the capital will soon be revived again, the government intends to make it a place for students.
It should be noted that earlier the Cypriot government announced that it will invest more than 40 million euros in the reconstruction of the old city of Nicosia within the boundaries of the Venetian walls.
Officials have developed several schemes that will help bring business activity back to the abandoned centre. One of the main measures will be financial support for couples who want to buy homes within the Venetian walls. In addition, the government intends to provide subsidies to local entrepreneurs who operate in the Old Town area. And thanks to the fact that about 500 buildings will be included in the register of historic buildings, their owners will receive benefits and allowances.