A large natural park is going to appear in the area of the former state fair in Nicosia. The city authorities made this decision, rejecting the previous idea of building a technology center and commercial buildings on this site.
The city's mayor, Charalambos Pruntos, announced this on Thursday, June 5.
He stated that, at the request of the capital's residents, a large green area will be created on a plot of about 250,000 square meters. A survey revealed that 90% of people want to see a park here, not offices or hotels. Pruntos made it clear that the Engomi area has seen significant development in recent years, resulting in a critical shortage of green spaces.The excessive use of concrete is evident.
The mayor of Nicosia emphasized that people need a place for quality recreation.
Preliminary studies will take two to three months. At the same time, the authorities are considering moving the technology park to another area, Sopaz, which is currently considered abandoned. The government has decided to cancel the 2022 plan to build a research center and hotel on the site of the fairgrounds. Plans to create a park-and-go transport station near the old fairgrounds were also rejected due to opposition from local residents. Officials have assured that technical issues, such as the park's water supply, will be addressed during the project preparation process.
According to AKEL MP Aristos Damianou, the initial plans were changed thanks to the efforts of both residents and politicians. The ministries of interior, transport, and finance have already expressed their support for the new project. Parliament will continue to consider the initiative in October. Stavros Papadouris, a member of the Green Party, emphasized that the project's objective is to establish a national urban park for the enjoyment of all citizens.
It is our responsibility to leave future generations not only concrete, but also nature. This is a matter of our shared responsibility, the politician asserted.
It is important to note that the state fair relocated to its current location in Makedonitissa in the early 1970s. In addition to hosting exhibitions, the area has been used for other purposes, such as music concerts, large rave parties, and as a service station for the Cyprus branch of the Middle East Rally.