Before the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs, the Plans regarding the development of the former Cyprus International Fair Grounds are being discussed on Thursday, with opinions being diverse, ranging from converting it into a park to erecting buildings, at least on part of the area.
Previously, the Municipality, commenting on the intention of some concrete works in the area, advocated for its transformation into “an oasis of relaxation and enjoyment for the residents of western Nicosia.”
Indeed, there were even references to converting the area into a state forest.
One of the last decisions of the previous government was the creation of an Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurship Zone.
This choice was supported by a recommendation report of a Scientific Committee appointed for this purpose.
In a previous intervention by the Municipality, it was stated that if the government decides to build structures in the area, a requirement is that 170,000 square meters out of the total 250,000 square meters remain open spaces without buildings, with lots of greenery, a large park, etc., for social gatherings and activities.
The Municipality also disagreed with the operation of a bus terminal in the State Fairgrounds area.
Among other things, the Municipality has expressed the following positions:
- The ministerial council of the previous government had determined that: “The Innovation, Research, and Entrepreneurship Zone aims to create an environment that enhances the culture of innovation, collaboration, knowledge transfer, and Innovative Entrepreneurship, in managing the transfer of technology between research institutions and innovation bodies and in facilitating communication and networking between companies, entrepreneurs, and scientists, creating synergies, cooperation, and new businesses.”
- Based on the presented initial plan of the previous government, out of the 250 thousand square meters of the total area occupied by the State Fairgrounds, 170 thousand square meters would be open spaces without buildings, with lots of greenery, a large park, etc., for social gatherings and activities.
- The Municipal Council had unanimously judged that such a center, from an economic perspective, would primarily offer significant opportunities to the young people of our region.
