**Over €100m in Thalia Funds for Projects Across Cyprus**
A significant investment exceeding €100 million is being directed towards various public space projects across Cyprus through the Thalia 2021 to 2027 programme. This initiative aims to enhance urban environments, restore historic sites, and improve infrastructure in several cities, reflecting a commitment to revitalizing public spaces and promoting community engagement.
One of the most notable projects is the redevelopment of the old GSP stadium in Nicosia, which has been transformed into a vibrant public space featuring an urban park, an outdoor amphitheatre, and underground parking facilities. Completed in February 2022, this project cost approximately €27.3 million and has become a focal point for community activities and events.
In addition to the GSP stadium redevelopment, Nicosia has seen further investments with a €7.8 million project that restored and expanded part of the former municipal market. This project is now home to the CYENS Centre of Excellence, which provides essential research laboratories and seminar rooms. Its significance has been recognized internationally, as it has been selected as one of 25 finalists for the European Commission’s Awards.
The city of Larnaca has also benefited from the Thalia programme, with the redevelopment of Salina municipal park costing €3.2 million. This project aims to enhance the recreational offerings in the area, providing residents and visitors with improved green spaces. Additionally, the Zouchouri area underwent a €2.9 million redevelopment, which included new paving, the creation of green spaces, accessibility improvements, and the restoration of surrounding facades to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the neighborhood.
In Limassol, the Thalia programme has facilitated a €2.3 million transformation of a public space on Gauguin Street into a park equipped with sports and recreational facilities, a playground, and an open-air theatre. Furthermore, a former workers’ housing complex has been revitalized as part of a €6.5 million project, which now serves as a municipal social services centre, combining historical preservation with modern community needs.
Paphos has witnessed several major interventions funded by the Thalia programme. A €6.4 million project has redeveloped the center of Kato Paphos, enhancing its attractiveness and functionality. Additionally, the former police station has been restored as an ethnographic museum through a €12.7 million investment, preserving the region's cultural heritage. Another significant development in Paphos is a €20 million tourism school for the Technical University of Paphos (Tepak), which features classrooms, laboratories, a library, and study areas, accommodating up to 1,000 students.
In the Famagusta region, a €900,000 multipurpose recreation space has been established in Sotira, featuring a sports field, outdoor exercise equipment, a playground, and green areas, promoting active lifestyles among residents.
Further developments are underway in Nicosia, particularly the redevelopment of the moat surrounding the old Venetian walls. This €10.4 million project aims to create a walking and cycling route along with green spaces, enhancing the historical and recreational value of the area. Scheduled for completion in November 2027, this project is part of a broader effort to integrate historical preservation with modern urban living.
The Thalia programme is a key instrument of the EU's cohesion policy, which aims to reduce economic and social disparities between regions and support sustainable development across member states. With a total public budget of approximately €1.8 billion, the programme underscores the European Union's commitment to fostering growth and improving quality of life in Cyprus and beyond.
As these projects continue to unfold, they promise to reshape the urban landscape of Cyprus, providing enhanced public spaces that foster community interaction, cultural appreciation, and improved living standards for residents. The Thalia programme exemplifies a strategic approach to urban development, blending historical preservation with modern needs and aspirations.