The restoration of Nicosia’s Old Municipal Market, now home to the CYENS Centre of Excellence, is one of 25 projects competing for a European distinction at the REGIOSTARS Awards 2026. The project was shortlisted from 274 entries across Europe and combines the preservation of architectural heritage with urban regeneration, research and innovation.
A finalist in the competitive and smart category
CYENS Hub Nicosia, the project that restored and repurposed the Old Municipal Market, competes in the category “A Competitive and Smart Europe”.
From market to research hub
The Old Municipal Market is a distinctive example of modernist architecture within the walls of Nicosia, close to the Green Line. It has been transformed into a contemporary space for research, technology and entrepreneurship, housing the CYENS Centre of Excellence.
The regeneration, a total investment of around €7.8 million with European co-funding, aimed to give new life to a historic public building. It also created a space for developing innovative applications in artificial intelligence, smart cities and interactive technologies.
The nomination highlights how architectural heritage can be reused to revitalise the urban fabric, particularly in an area such as Nicosia’s historic centre.
About the REGIOSTARS Awards
The REGIOSTARS Awards have been organised by the European Commission since 2008. They recognise projects funded by the European Union’s cohesion policy that contribute to regional development.
The finalists are presenting their projects to the jury in Brussels on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities. The winners of the five categories will be announced on the evening of Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
How to vote
Alongside the jury awards, the 25 finalists are also competing for the People’s Choice Award, which is decided by an online vote.
The public can support the Cypriot entry until Wednesday, 14 October, at 13:00 Cyprus time.
To vote, visit the official REGIOSTARS Awards page, find CYENS Hub Nicosia in the “A Competitive and Smart Europe” category, select “Vote for this project” and confirm your choice.
The winner of the People’s Choice Award will also be announced at the awards ceremony on 14 October 2026.
