Major developments are underway in Nicosia this year, including the revitalisation of the old GSP stadium and projects within the historic city walls, Mayor Charalambos Prountzos said on Friday.

The mayor outlined the plans for 2025 projects, which are expected to transform the city, during an interview to the Cyprus News Agency.

One of the flagship projects set for completion in the first quarter of 2025 is the redevelopment of the old GSP stadium area. This multipurpose space will include a park, an underground parking facility, commercial areas and an open amphitheatre with approximately 700 seats. The site will also include a spacious plaza that connects to the Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC) building.

Additionally, the second phase of the outer perimeter path along Stasinou Avenue will soon be completed. This phase includes a cycle path, a pedestrian walkway, and playgrounds, extending from Paphos Gate to Kolokasisi and the Olympiakos stadium. The mayor described it as “a wonderful route that can begin even from the Linear Park”.

On January 15, work will begin on the inner perimeter path along the interior side of Nicosia’s walls, following a similar concept.

By the first quarter of 2025, Trikoupi Street will also be completed. The mayor stressed its importance to the old city within the walls.

He added that contracts for the complete reconstruction of Famagusta Avenue will be signed in the coming days. This urban planning project is essential, as it connects the Sopaz area to Aglandjia and has been awaited for decades. The new road will extend from the Bata roundabout to Aglandjia, beginning from the Aglandjia industrial area and linking with Larnacos Avenue.

Regarding efforts to address the student housing issue within the municipality, the mayor said that two student housing projects will also be completed in 2025.

One will be located on Voulgaroktonou Avenue in a preserved building, while the second will be on Aristeidou Avenue.

In addition, the Shiakidou House in Ayios Dometios will be completed, serving as a center for children with disabilities. The mayor described this as a significant expectation of the children’s parents and relatives. The management of the facility will be tendered after its completion.

Construction of a multifunctional building in Engomi, designated as a multi-purpose centre, has already begun and is expected to be completed by early 2026.

He also mentioned that the design for the Architecture School at the Faneromeni school has been finalised and is expected to be tendered by the Archbishopric in 2025.

During his interview, Prountzos also referred to the festive season’s success, noting that visitor numbers to Eleftheria Square increased by 300 per cent. He attributed this surge to early planning, diverse events, and the creation of accessible spaces such as Laiki Neighborhood, pedestrian streets, and Eleftheria Square, which collectively drew nearly double the visitors compared to the previous year.

The mayor further expressed confidence that, although challenges persist in the commercial centre, the initiatives planned for 2025 will bring significant improvements.