**Title: Debate Continues Over Traffic Restrictions on Makarios Avenue in Nicosia**
A pressure group known as the Joint Platform for the Revitalisation of the Urban Commercial Core of Every City is advocating for the re-opening of the lower section of Makarios Avenue in Nicosia to all traffic. Currently, private vehicles are prohibited from entering this part of the road, which extends from the Lykavitos police station to the old town. These restrictions were implemented as part of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, a project funded by the European Union.
The platform argues that allowing cars back onto Makarios Avenue, and enabling two-way traffic, would help restore the area to its former status as the capital's busiest shopping street. Historically, this section of the avenue was highly sought after by business owners, with rental contracts fetching six-figure sums, a phenomenon referred to as “air.” However, many experts believe that simply reopening the road to traffic will not revive the commercial success of the area.
Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos has expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of this proposal. He stated that it is overly simplistic to assert that the closure of the area to traffic is the primary issue affecting local businesses. According to Prountzos, the retail landscape has evolved significantly since the 1990s, with the emergence of shopping malls and the rise of online shopping changing consumer behavior. He emphasized that the challenges faced by retailers on Makarios Avenue predate the traffic restrictions.
The mayor's comments reflect a broader trend observed not only in Nicosia but across various urban centers. Shopkeepers in Larnaca, for example, have similarly reported a decline in business due to competition from local malls. The shift in consumer preferences indicates that factors beyond traffic flow are influencing shopping habits.
Interestingly, Stassikratous Street, a parallel road to Makarios Avenue, has managed to thrive despite having similar traffic restrictions. The success of Stassikratous can be attributed to its diverse range of shops, restaurants, and cafes that attract customers. This raises questions about whether shop owners on Makarios Avenue are adequately addressing the changing demands of consumers or if they are simply relying on the return of car traffic to boost sales.
Mayor Prountzos hinted at the need for a reevaluation of the retail offerings on Makarios Avenue, suggesting that enhancing the “authenticity of shops” could play a crucial role in drawing customers back. He also mentioned the potential for lower rental prices and the municipality's plans to address the issue of vacant shops through taxation.
Concerns have also been raised about the potential consequences of reversing the traffic restrictions. When the lower section of Makarios Avenue was initially closed to private vehicles, predictions of significant traffic congestion on surrounding roads did not materialize. However, reopening the road could lead to repercussions, including the possibility of the European Commission demanding repayment of the approximately €20 million allocated for the mobility plan. Mayor Prountzos has ruled out passing this financial burden onto taxpayers, deeming it an unreasonable cost to demonstrate that the decline in business is not solely due to traffic limitations.
As the debate continues, it remains clear that the challenges facing Makarios Avenue are multifaceted. While the Joint Platform advocates for a return to car access, the mayor and other stakeholders emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the evolving retail environment and consumer preferences. The future of Nicosia's commercial core may depend on the ability of local businesses to adapt to these changes rather than solely relying on the return of vehicular traffic.