**Etek Proposes Linear Park Spanning Nicosia’s Venetian Moat**
The Technical Chamber of Commerce (Etek) has unveiled an ambitious proposal aimed at transforming the Venetian moat and its surrounding areas in old Nicosia into a continuous linear park. This initiative, which stretches from Paphos Gate to Famagusta Gate, is part of a broader strategy to restructure and revitalize the historic center of Cyprus's capital.
The proposal was formally submitted to President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday. It outlines a vision for the moat to be developed into a continuous pathway designed specifically for pedestrians and cyclists. Etek emphasizes that this transformation is intended to create a unified urban system rather than a series of disconnected green spaces.
In the report, Etek highlights the importance of establishing common technical standards for the project, including elements such as lighting, signage, and park furniture. The chamber warns that without these standards, the project risks becoming fragmented and ineffective. “The linear park must be delivered in phases with a unified design identity and guaranteed maintenance,” the report states. “Otherwise, the result is disconnected interventions that do not form a coherent whole.”
This proposal is part of Etek’s larger strategy for Nicosia, which also encompasses the development of educational facilities and cultural hubs. To ensure the successful implementation of the linear park, the report recommends multi-year funding arrangements, staged construction, and continuous monitoring. These measures aim to prevent the project from being partially delivered or abandoned altogether.
Etek also suggests the creation of a watchdog body operating under a presidential mandate. This oversight committee would be responsible for monitoring the implementation of the project across various ministries and local authorities. The proposed office would conduct quarterly reviews and produce an annual public report detailing progress on the project.
The interior and finance ministries have been identified as the lead authorities for this initiative, while the Nicosia municipality and the transport ministry would share co-responsibility. Etek views this proposal as a direct response to the findings from a workshop held in July 2025, which involved collaboration with the municipality and generated over 100 proposals for urban regeneration. These proposals were subsequently ranked based on their potential impact using interpretive structural modeling.
Etek argues that the proposed interventions should be treated as a matter of national importance due to their significant implications for mobility, housing, and the economic viability of the capital's center. The chamber suggests that pilot sections of the linear park could be developed first in areas with the highest demand. The success of these pilot projects would be assessed through indicators such as pedestrian flow and accessibility before further expansion is considered.
The initiative to create a linear park along the Venetian moat represents a significant step towards enhancing the urban landscape of Nicosia. By prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist access, Etek aims to foster a more vibrant and interconnected community within the historic heart of the city. As discussions around urban regeneration continue, the proposal highlights the need for cohesive planning and collaboration among various stakeholders to realize the potential of Nicosia’s historic center.