The mayor of Nicosia, Charalambos Prountzos, sets out his vision to transform the area into the Metropolitan Park of Western Nicosia, so that the new park becomes, first and foremost, a space for the city’s people.
There are places not made only of concrete, steel and old pavilions. They are made of eras. Of people who passed through quickly or stayed a little longer. Of families who dressed up for an outing. Of children holding their parents’ hands and gazing with wonder at the lights, the displays, the machines, the cars, the new ideas of a country trying to stand back on its feet.
The State Fair was once far more than an exhibition space. In the years after the war and the invasion, when Cyprus was gathering its wounds and ordinary people were trying to rebuild their lives, a small piece of the country’s post-war confidence was written there. Entrepreneurs, craftsmen, merchants, people of labour and effort brought their products as proof that life continued – that the market could move again, that creativity had not fallen silent. For ordinary people in Nicosia, the State Fair was an outing, a breath, a promise of normality.
Within this vast area, the plan to transform the State Fair into the Metropolitan Park of Western Nicosia takes on special significance. Essentially, it is a discussion about what kind of city we want. A city that treats every patch of land as real estate value, or a city that opens up space for children, the elderly, cyclists, walkers, art, memory and everyday life?
Mayor Charalambos Prountzos speaks to Politis about his vision and addresses the challenges, pending government decisions, the old pavilions, the possible Museum of Contemporary Art and the need for the park to become, above all, a space for the city’s people.
The biggest event of the year
We are standing in a historic space of Nicosia, the State Fair – what is the plan for its development?
“We are at the historic site of the State Fair. It symbolises the country’s effort to stand again after the 1974 invasion. It was the space where Cypriot entrepreneurs showcased their products and services. For many of our fellow citizens, it was also a place of gathering and connection. It was the biggest event of the year, with thousands of people filling it – of all ages – not only to see products and services but mainly to take a walk and meet others.”
“In recent decades, unfortunately, the site gradually fell into decline and disuse. This is unfair both to exhibitors, who urgently seek a proper exhibition space in Nicosia, and to the local community of Engomi and western Nicosia, which, after decades of development, now desperately seeks a large unified green space – a space for people, a space for recreation.”
“We promised this space to the residents of Engomi, and I am pleased to say we are approaching the goal of a final announcement by the Council of Ministers for the creation of the Metropolitan Park of Western Nicosia.”
The Greece pavilion and the lake
“We should first outline where we are in the process. The municipal council unanimously adopted a decision to create the Metropolitan Park, prioritising greenery and recreation.”
“At the same time, some buildings that connect us with the past and form part of Nicosia’s architectural heritage – such as the Greece pavilion – will remain. These will be reused in a way consistent with a modern park.”
“The plan also includes a stormwater retention lake, long designed but never implemented, which will now be integrated into the park to help address flooding.”
He noted that proper management and safety are essential, as poorly managed parks can become centres of antisocial behaviour.
“This was a vision of the local community, strongly supported by initiatives such as ‘Human Engomi’.”
“We didn’t want a bit of green in concrete”
“From the start, we made it clear – we are not talking about a built environment with a bit of green. We are talking about overwhelming green space with minimal built development supporting it.”
Initial government reservations focused on exhibitors and the site’s economic value. However, the municipality presented the redevelopment of SOPAZ alongside the State Fair transformation as interconnected projects.
“Development that might have been placed here could instead be directed to SOPAZ, where it is needed.”
This approach was gradually accepted, leading to a productive dialogue and progress.
Citizens at the centre of planning
“These projects cannot happen without citizens. People must not simply accept projects – their views must be heard during planning.”
The municipality is now awaiting final cabinet decisions to confirm:
- creation of the park
- transfer of management to the municipality
- funding for immediate restoration works
This includes demolitions, irrigation repairs and preparing the area for immediate public use.
What about the exhibitors?
“Exhibitors were a key part of the discussion. Their needs are now addressed, both in the transition period and through plans for a dedicated exhibition and conference space.”
Old pavilions and a Museum of Contemporary Art
A study found most pavilions have reached the end of their lifecycle.
“The majority cannot or are not worth restoring,” he said.
However, the Greece pavilion and Hall A will remain as heritage structures. A proposal has been submitted to house a Museum of Contemporary and Modern Art there, combined with other spaces in the city.
A park for all ages
“A park of this size must be inclusive,” Prountzos said.
Plans include:
- sports facilities
- cycling routes
- running paths
with accessibility for people with disabilities and a focus on wellbeing across all age groups.
Citizens at the centre of planning
Both redevelopments – the State Fair and SOPAZ – depend on citizen involvement.
Final decisions from the Council of Ministers are expected to:
- formalise the park
- enable immediate site restoration
- prepare the area for public use before full redevelopment
Further decisions are also required for SOPAZ, which will follow a different redevelopment path.
