Greens say former state fair area should become park

The Green Party on Tuesday is proposing the government-owned Nicosia’s state fair area be turned into a park.

The proposal was addressed to Zacharias Kyriakou, the mayor of Engomi, where the former state fair is located and follows a meeting on the subject that took place on May 10 among residents of the area.

“We have repeatedly explained over the years how the area of the state fair would be ideal for the construction of a park,” the Green Party said in a statement released after the municipal council meeting.

“West Nicosia does not have a green lung, as opposed to east and central Nicosia. The area lacks a common space that provides fresh air for both residents and visitors.

“To confront the threat of climate change, the capital needs more green areas, which will also be instrumental to combat the urban heat issue during the summer months.”

Moreover, the statement urged the government to start developing state-owned areas without the need for investors.

“State-owned land cannot always be turned into villas, apartments, offices and hotels, especially considering that Cyprus has adhered to the EU’s Green Deal and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“The citizens of Engomi deserve to be able to choose in a referendum whether they want more building erected in the area or a large urban park with enough space to host sport events and cultural activities,” the statement concluded.