Nicosia’s park of the future takes shape as cost climbs past €30m (photos)

Local NicosiaparksTop News Nicosia’s park of the future takes shape as cost climbs past €30m (photos) Nicosia's Park Of The Future Takes Shape As Cost Climbs Past €30m (photos) Relevant News Nicosia’s park of the future takes shape as cost climbs past €30m (photos) 16 June 2026 Trump confirms Iran deal signed, but Lebanon dispute and Israeli unease cloud breakthrough 16 June 2026 Explained: EU’s new €3 tariff on Shein, Temu orders 16 June 2026 Vassos Vassiliou 16 June 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber A redevelopment plan for the 11.8-kilometre Pedieos Linear Park, running through Nicosia, Strovolos and Lakatamia, is now expected to cost more than 30 million euros, up from an initial 2022 estimate of 22 million euros plus VAT. The plan includes four new outdoor gyms, new plantings across 190,000 square metres, two outdoor spaces for table games, 11 new children’s playgrounds, an artificial lake, 14 new pedestrian bridges and many other features. A public presentation of the study has already taken place, with organised groups and residents of the three municipalities submitting their suggestions. The cost of the study and supervision alone will amount to 1,356,000 euros plus VAT. Funding and construction phases The “Redevelopment of the Urban Linear Park of Pedieos River” project will be co-financed 85% by European funds and 15% by the municipalities of Nicosia, Strovolos and Lakatamia. It forms part of the Integrated Spatial Development Strategy for metropolitan Nicosia and has been approved for co-financing under the THALIA 2021-2027 programme. The works will be carried out in two phases. Phase A will cover the Public Garden, Prodromos Park, Agioi Omologites, part of the Strovolos municipal offices, and Lakatamia A. Phase B, to be carried out at a later stage, will cover the remaining locations: the Presidential Palace, Athalassa Avenue, part of the Strovolos municipal offices, Agios Vasileios parish, Elaiones, PAEEK, Agios Mamas, Magli Lake, Ioannis Kapodistrias, Lakatamia B and Anthoupoli A. Construction of Phase A is expected to take 43 months, while Phase B is estimated to be carried out within the next programming period, 2028-2034. The master plan The aim of the project is to redevelop the Linear Park along the Pedieos river in Nicosia, based on a master plan that has already been drawn up. Among other things, the master plan covers redevelopment works, ecological restoration of the river, management of extreme weather events, projects to protect flora and fauna and enhance biodiversity, connectivity between urban centres, pedestrian bridges, cycle paths and footpaths, sports areas, renewable energy uses, organic farming, therapeutic gardens, playgrounds, recycling stations, ecological restoration of the surface water network, wastewater and stormwater management, irrigation networks, toilets, kiosks and refreshment stands. According to those behind the project, the Pedieos redevelopment will form the “green” axis on which the development of Nicosia, Strovolos and Lakatamia will be based, and will serve as an example of sustainable urban development at both national and regional level. The study for the project began in early October 2024 and will be carried out across 16 action zones along the full length of the Pedieos. Lakatamia Mayor Dr Fotoula Hadjipapa told Phileleftheros that the aim is for the Pedieos to develop into the western green lung of greater Nicosia, a space where nature, recreation, culture, environmental education and sustainable mobility will coexist harmoniously for the benefit of current and future generations. Hadjipapa also said suggestions had been submitted by all the mayors as well as by the audience, aimed at protecting the environment and improving residents’ quality of life. Green spaces and biodiversity New plantings across 190,000 square metres will include enhanced riverside vegetation, wildflower gardens and urban Mediterranean gardens, a new music garden, seven new sensory, educational and therapeutic gardens, and an artificial lake to boost biodiversity. Eight pollinator spaces, described as bee and butterfly hotels, will also be created. Seating areas will be set up along the route, alongside a new green strip. Sport and recreation The plan provides for five new sports courts, covering basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, padel and tennis, along with four new outdoor gyms and a new outdoor activities park for climbing, parkour and similar pursuits. Eleven new playgrounds will be built for children, alongside three new energy playgrounds. A new skatepark will be built and an existing one upgraded, and a new dog park will be created alongside the upgrade of an existing one. For events, the project includes seven wooden event platforms, two outdoor event spaces and two plaza event spaces, two outdoor amphitheatres and three excursion areas. A new open-air art exhibition space is also planned, along with two spaces for outdoor table games. Cycling, parking and mobility Eight new bike hubs and two new bike parks will be built, with an existing bike park upgraded. A park-and-ride space will be created for those who choose to drive to the route, along with electric vehicle charging points. Fourteen new parking areas with permeable paving are also planned. Facilities, safety and technology Eight refreshment stands and three additional kiosk points will serve users of the route. Twelve new public toilets will be built and two existing ones upgraded. A new recycling bin network will be installed every 400 metres, alongside a new LMS lighting network every 50 metres. New Info points will be set up every kilometre, along with urban furniture such as benches, and existing stray animal shelters will be replaced. For emergencies, access points for the relevant authorities will be established, and a new crisis management centre will be set up. The park will also be equipped with 10.8 kilometres of fibre optic cable and 500 smart sensors, along with emergency notification systems for events such as fire or flooding. An automatic irrigation system based on soil and air humidity will also be installed. Read more: Cycling, walking route linking Ledra Palace crossing to Pedieos River corridor completed Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Trump confirms Iran deal signed, but Lebanon dispute and Israeli unease cloud breakthrough Explained: EU’s new €3 tariff on Shein, Temu orders Nearly all the world’s children exposed to climate hazards, UNICEF warns Fidan tells Holguin two-state solution is only option for Cyprus Shipping giant says it will take weeks to resume Hormuz transit despite Iran deal Eight crew believed dead in B-52 bomber crash at California air base, CNN reports ‘Mafia State’ corruption report probe attributes criminal liability to more than ten people Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.