Nicosia Municipality has announced an architectural competition for the redevelopment of the Municipal Garden. According to the competition documents, the project forms part of the capital’s long-term development plan and is aimed at preserving, restoring and promoting the city’s cultural heritage. The main objective is to upgrade the popular public space, highlight its historical and architectural value, and make it more modern and comfortable.
The redevelopment is also intended to form part of a broader transformation of Nicosia. Together with other planned government and municipal projects, it is expected to revitalise the urban environment and improve the experience of residents and visitors to the capital.
History of Nicosia Municipal Garden
The Municipal Garden is considered the largest garden in Nicosia and one of the capital’s most important green spaces. It has protected status. The garden was redesigned in 1968–1969 according to plans by architect Neoptolemos A. Michaelides. Although the area is now in need of renovation, the garden remains one of Nicosia’s recognisable landmarks and has welcomed several generations of city residents over the decades.
The new redevelopment will be implemented with co-financing from the Recovery and Resilience Fund. The first stage will involve preparing a master plan for the entire Municipal Garden. This plan will determine what changes are required, which facilities should be restored and how the implementation of the project will be divided into phases.
What will change and how much it will cost
According to preliminary estimates, the total cost of the project will amount to €4.1 million excluding VAT. One of the municipality’s main priorities will be the restoration of the historic building in the garden and the children’s playground area. Nicosia authorities expect that the renovation and restoration of these facilities will create a safer and more comfortable environment for visitors while preserving the garden’s historic character and architectural features.
Particular attention will be paid to ensuring that the redevelopment does not compromise the historical value of the site. The concept should combine the preservation of cultural heritage with modern requirements for public spaces.
Who will evaluate the proposals and when the winners will be announced
Nicosia Municipality has formed a special jury for the architectural competition, comprising:
- Koula Ioannou — civil engineer, representative of the competition organiser, chairperson;
- Fivos Iakovidis — architect, representative of the organiser;
- Yola Kourou — architect, representative of the organiser;
- Elena Sofianou Olympiou — architect, representative of ETEK;
- Athina Aristotelous Kliridou — architect and urban planner, representative of ETEK;
- Ioanna Evagorou — architect, representative of the Cyprus Architects Association;
- Yiannis Agisilaou — architect, representative of the Cyprus Architects Association.
The jury will evaluate the submitted architectural concepts and award the following prizes:
- 1st prize — €20,000;
- 2nd prize — €15,000;
- 3rd prize — €12,000;
- honourable mentions — up to three awards of €3,000 each.
According to the established schedule, the architectural competition will close on 10 November, with the results expected to be announced on 1 December.