President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides inaugurated the revitalized space of the former GSP stadium in Nicosia on Saturday, heralding it as a beacon of environmental respect, social cohesion, and enhanced quality of life for citizens. Speaking at the ceremony, the President underscored the government’s steadfast commitment to projects that harmonize functionality with aesthetic appeal, transforming neglected spaces into vibrant communal hubs.
The once-abandoned stadium has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis into a modern, accessible park, poised to become a vital green space within Nicosia’s urban fabric. This rejuvenated space, President Christodoulides noted, is not merely a construction but a living testament to visionary planning that reveres history while embracing the future. Designed with sustainability and human experience at its core, the park offers a sanctuary for recreation and social interaction, preserving the historical essence of a site that has been integral to Cyprus’ sporting and cultural narrative since 1902.
Beyond the park’s unveiling, the President outlined broader governmental initiatives aimed at redefining urban landscapes across Cyprus. The administration is revising Local Plans for the urban clusters of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, with completion targeted within the next two years. Additionally, a strategic spatial framework, the “Plan for the Island,” is being developed with technical assistance from the European Commission, marking the first unified territorial strategy for Cyprus. This plan will integrate sectoral strategies—spanning transport, energy, environment, and social policy—underpinning the nation’s “Vision 2035” for sustainable and resilient development.
The €30 million project, co-funded by the European Union’s Cohesion Policy through the “THALEIA 2021-2027” program, the Nicosia Municipality, and the state budget, exemplifies the tangible benefits of EU collaboration, the President added. He expressed gratitude to EU Commissioners and local authorities for their unwavering support, highlighting the role of such partnerships in fostering equitable growth. The revitalized GSP site now features an open-air amphitheater, multi-purpose halls, cafes, shops, underground parking linked to public transport, and a Citizen Service Center, all crafted following a public referendum among Nicosia residents.
As Cyprus gears up for its EU Council Presidency in 2026, President Christodoulides reaffirmed the nation’s dedication to advancing Cohesion Policy, ensuring it reflects real needs. This project, a cornerstone of urban renewal, stands as a symbol of Nicosia’s resilience and aspiration for progress, even amidst the challenges of division, promising a future as open and dynamic as the park itself, he said. Further announcements on urban initiatives are anticipated on June 30, signaling continued momentum in Cyprus’ transformative journey.
In the crowded plaza hosting the ceremony, Nicosia’s Mayor Charalambos Prountzos, who jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque, emphasized the significance of the day, stating that “we inaugurate a landmark project proving that with vision, planning, and collaboration, Nicosia can move forward, respecting the past while looking to the future.” He envisioned “a multifunctional space filled daily with smiles, music, and creative activities, uniting people and respecting everyone’s needs.”
