The Municipality of Nicosia has announced the start of the process for an architectural competition for the regeneration of the Nicosia Municipal Garden, with a preliminary cost estimate of €4.1 million plus VAT. The announcement was made on Friday 10 July during an informative presentation held by the Nicosia Inter-Municipal Development Projects Company (DAEL), with the competition itself scheduled to be launched by the end of summer 2026.
A garden woven into the city's history
Mayor of Nicosia Charalambos Prountzos described the day as the beginning of a particularly significant process for the capital, calling the project a substantial investment in the city's future, the quality of life of its citizens and the preservation of its historical and cultural heritage. He noted that the garden carries deep historical and emotional value, saying that for more than a century it has accompanied the city's journey, holding the memories of many generations of Nicosians as a place of gathering, rest, culture and daily life.
Respect for heritage as a guiding principle
Mr Prountzos underlined that the garden's history, dating back to the early 20th century, demands an approach combining respect for the site's historic character with the city's modern needs. He said heritage protection is not a static concept but a dynamic process requiring scientific documentation, sensitivity and continuous care. Every intervention, he stated, must respect the historic and architectural character of the site, be compatible with its identity and, where required, be reversible, so that its authenticity is safeguarded for future generations. He added that public spaces must be safe, functional, accessible to all and environmentally friendly.
Part of a wider greening strategy
The Mayor referred to the municipal authority's strategy for strengthening urban greenery, noting that creating a greener, more sustainable and more human Nicosia has been a priority since it took office. Over the past two years, more than 22,500 new plantings have been carried out across the city's neighbourhoods. He said major projects in a modern city should be designed through the creative exchange of ideas and healthy competition to produce the best architectural and functional solutions.
A listed work by Neoptolemos Michaelides
Municipal Secretary Myria Pilakouta said the process concerns far more than the regeneration of a public space, marking the rebirth of a place inseparably linked to residents' personal memories and daily lives. She recalled that the garden was designed by the distinguished architect Neoptolemos Michaelides and has been recognised as a listed structure, underlining its architectural and historical value. She expressed the hope that the garden will regain its vitality through the project, evolving into a modern, welcoming and fully accessible public space where older generations will recognise their memories and younger ones will create their own.
