The project to rebuild the historic GSP stadium in the centre of Nicosia is in danger of being added to the list of construction projects in Cyprus.
The idea of creating a modern public space in the capital has been around for a long time, but its realisation has been severely delayed, with the opening of the facility being postponed again and again. Although work is due to start in 2021, the reconstruction is not expected to be completed until March 2026 at the earliest - a five-year delay. It should be noted that this initiative is funded under the Talia 2021-2027 programme. Of the total cost, 25% will come from EU funds, 25% from the Cypriot state budget and 15% from the Nicosia municipality.
The Mayor of Nicosia, Haralambos Prountzos, and Penelope Papavasiliou from the Cypriot Ministry of Finance recently visited the site to assess the progress being made.
We recognise the dissatisfaction of the residents of the capital. But the project must be carefully designed to meet high standards of safety, sustainability and comfort. Our aim is to create a space that will serve Nicosia for years to come," Papavasiliou later admitted.
The reconstructed area will become the new cultural and social centre of Nicosia. The project includes:
- GSP History Museum
- Children's playground
- A restaurant
- Outdoor amphitheatre
- A massive multimedia system with a giant screen
- Modern lighting system next to the old centre clock from the original stadium
- A cascading waterfall running down a grand staircase with air conditioning
Despite assurances from the authorities that the renovation is on track, completion dates remain unclear. And most of the ideas listed above remain on paper. So far, all the city's residents can see is a fenced-off construction site on the site of the former stadium. The final design, chosen in an architectural competition, was developed by architects Yannis Kizis and Konstantis Kizis, and the work is being managed by the Cyfield Construction Development J.V. joint venture.
We are not just building a park. We are creating a new face for Nicosia. When the project is completed, this space will be a cultural and social centre that will bring the people of Nicosia together like never before," the capital's mayor said, explaining the delays.
As of February 2025, the renovation is "close to completion". Barring another force majeure, the space will finally be open to the public in March 2026. Will the new community centre live up to the years of anticipation? Or will Nicosia get yet another example of a protracted urban project? The answer will be revealed in the near future.
