28.08.2023
“Interest in residential developments in the Nicosia city center area is increasing as projects that are already completed or are in the process of being completed have multiplier advantages,” said Mayor Konstantinos of Nicosia. Giorkatsis . To these projects in the first quarter of 2024, Athina Papadopoulou , Senior Architect/Urban Officer of the Municipality of Nicosia , will add a site where the old GSP is being renovated .
The Nicosia Municipality aims to create a town square, green spaces and recreational areas, as well as to build an underground car park through the redevelopment of the site of the old GSP . According to the plan, “roads” will be created on the territory of the old GSP , connecting other important projects that have been done, are being done or will be done in the center, such as the restoration of the commercial triangle (Makarios – Stasikratous – Evagorou ) , Freedom Square and other urban revitalization projects in fortress city.
When asked if the project will be delivered within 2023 as stipulated in the contract, Ms. Papadopoulou replied that the project started on 10/11/2021 with a 24 month construction contract and 10 years of maintenance responsibility and is expected to completed in the first quarter of 2024.
When asked whether the terms of the contract were being met and what measures the municipality was taking on items where there were delays, Ms. Papadopoulou stated that the work was being carried out in accordance with the terms of the contract. There is some delay and the contractor’s claims are processed in accordance with the legal procedures governing government contracts. The project is closely monitored and managed by the municipality and a team of external consultants.
When asked if there were any changes to the original design that would further reduce carbon emissions, the Nicosia Municipality Senior Architect replied that all necessary measures are being taken to reduce the environmental impact of the construction phase by complying with all legal provisions. She went on to say that during the development of the project, steps were taken to ensure that its operation, upon completion, would meet energy standards and necessary environmental protection parameters.
For the various solid and liquid wastes that will be generated as a result of the operation of the project facilities (e.g. restaurants, cafes, sanitary facilities), appropriate facilities and equipment have been taken into account and designed in accordance with the relevant standards for their management (e.g. communication with SAL , installation of a fat collection system).
Rainwater from the surface of the project area will be channeled through the provided systems into an underground reservoir and used for irrigation of the planted areas of the project.
Regarding bringing vehicles to the area, Ms. Papadopoulou said that it is estimated that this will not create any additional pressure on traffic due to the already existing traffic in the area, on the contrary, it is likely to help. She touched upon the design of the existing road network along the perimeter and the entrances to underground parking, noting that “unhindered traffic is ensured when using underground facilities.”
The lighting study for the project took into account the mitigation of disturbing effects by offering appropriate diffused lighting in outdoor areas to highlight the characteristics of the project, as well as for the safety of users. The project’s equipment and systems will consume little energy and rainwater will be used to irrigate the greenery and recycle/reuse water in the project’s water features.
The vast green area in the project will not only improve the aesthetics of the space and the region as a whole, but will also create a public, accessible space where everyone can walk, relax, socialize and participate in events. “The positive microclimate that will be created will increase the attractiveness of the space for a wonderful and comfortable stay for all visitors,” he said.
When asked whether the access of citizens and guests of the capital to the services of the project will be simple and affordable, Ms. Papadopoulou answered that the project is located on the axis of Eleftherias Square – Evaghoros and in close proximity to the redevelopment project . Makarios shopping triangle . With tasiskratus and connected by pavements providing easy access for everyone.
An important infrastructure of the project is the starting point of small buses for direct access to the historical center in case one does not have the opportunity to walk to Liberty Square and the pedestrian streets of Ledra-Onasagora . The project provides for 554 parking spaces on two underground levels that will serve the public in addition to a parking space on Omiru Avenue and hundreds of spaces in public and private spaces in the immediate vicinity.
Mayor of Nicosia Konstantinos Yorkatzis stated that the project “creates the center of our capital”. He added that a modernized center is being created “where all the projects that we have completed to date or are completing are connected to each other, creating multiplier benefits for our center.”
Continuing, he said that with these works, a large waterfront is being created, including the Municipal Theatre, the new Cyprus Museum, Paphos Gate, Eleftherias Square , Costakis Pantelidis , as well as the pedestrian streets and the modernized shopping center of Makariou and Stasikratou .
“The center of Nicosia as a whole has been upgraded,” he said, adding that “it is beautiful, accessible, green and, as a result, much more flexible for both visitors and residents. There is already an increased interest in residential development in this area,” he added.
