Eleftheria square a ‘reference point’ for the whole of Cyprus says president

President Nikos Anastasiades on Monday visited Eleftheria square as part of a tour of new development projects, accompanied by mayor Constantinos Yiorkadjis.

“I feel particularly proud that Nicosia is changing, especially since the government has contributed €273 million to the municipality for these projects,” the President said.

“Even though it has been majorly delayed, Eleftheria square will be a reference point for the whole of Cyprus” in combination with the surrounding central Nicosia area and the numerous projects underway, he added.

Yiorkadjis thanked the President for continuously supporting the municipality’s projects. As a result, “Nicosia is changing into a modern, accessible city – a human city, both for its inhabitants and its visitors,” he said.

In addition to the regeneration of Eleftheria square, Makarios avenue and Stasikratous street, Yiorkadjis said that the municipality’s plans include a number of new parking areas, the planting of trees, and the construction of a park at the old GSP football stadium in central Nicosia.

In addition, works are taking place at the moment in several streets within the walls of Nicosia, with many completed, he added.

“All of these developments will gradually add up to a number of benefits to the city centre, making it attractive, more competitive and as a result more sustainable,” Yiorkadjis said.

“That is our objective: a sustainable city centre, which can only lead to its permanent rejuvenation,” he said.

Eleftheria square is “a real jewel, which connects old Nicosia with new Nicosia in a modern way,” Anastasiades said, adding that the new developments will help give an updated look to the capital.

“This was a vision of my friend Constantinos Yiorkadjis, that became possible with the help of both European and state resources as well as close collaboration between the state and the municipality,” Anastasiades said.

“We wanted in this way to make our city’s inhabitants feel like they live in an environment they were owed, and one they deserve,” he added.