The municipality of Nicosia has signed a contract with an international consulting company to prepare a feasibility study for a conference and exhibition centre on the site of the abandoned SOPAZ building, formerly an animal feed factory.
Meanwhile, the city authorities rejected government proposals to convert the State Fairgrounds into a technology park — a project that had sparked strong public discontent and criticism from city residents.
New scale and unified concept
Mayor Charalambos Printos has stated that he intends to promote an interconnected development strategy for two key urban areas. Specifically, he is seeking to transfer at least four state-owned plots of land to the municipality to expand the former factory's territory to over 300,000 m². This differs from previous government plans, which sparked mass resistance from Nicosia residents before the 2023 presidential election.
SOPAZ is a landmark known to every Nicosian. Plans are in place to breathe new life into it through partnerships with private investors, and the project has already attracted considerable business interest. Plans include the construction of a modern conference centre with exhibition pavilions, as well as sports and entertainment infrastructure, which is lacking in the eastern part of Nicosia.
Infrastructure and transport solutions
The municipal authorities are linking the development of SOPAZ and the transformation of the State Fair with large-scale road and infrastructure improvements. One of the key elements of this is the reconstruction of Ammochostos Avenue, which will provide a direct link between eastern Nicosia and the motorway via the University of Cyprus. This should remove long-standing transport restrictions and stimulate the area's development.
The State Fairgrounds will become the largest city park
Instead of the rejected technology park project, the State Fairgrounds — covering an area of around 250,000 m² — will become the largest park in Cyprus. According to the current plan, only 10% of the site will be used for cultural, sporting, educational and exhibition purposes.
Until SOPAZ's work is completed, all events will be held there. This will ensure a smooth transition.
These projects are significant for Nicosia
The modernisation of the SOPAZ building and the creation of the largest city park will be important steps in renewing Nicosia's infrastructure. The projects are designed to not only revitalise economic activity, but also improve the quality of life for city residents by establishing the eastern part of the city as a centre for business, culture, and sport.