The planned redevelopment of Ledra Street and Onasagorou Street in the historic centre of Nicosia, a project intended to breathe new life into the walled city, has already become the focus of growing tensions between the municipality and local businesses.
Through the redevelopment, Nicosia Municipality aims to strengthen the area's historic, commercial and cultural character, giving fresh momentum to the old city. The two streets have been in gradual decline for years, while residents and business owners continue to struggle to survive.
At the same time, shop owners operating along the two historic pedestrian shopping streets have voiced strong objections to the proposed design and expressed disagreement with the preliminary plans presented by the municipality's Technical Services Department during a public session of the municipal council.
In a statement, the Committee of Shop Owners, Residents and Property Owners of Small Businesses in Nicosia's Historic Centre Pedestrian Zone said the proposal presented to them could not form the basis of a meaningful discussion.
The group argues that a genuine redevelopment project should transform the historic centre into a high-quality destination for living, leisure, walking and shopping. It also stresses that the Ledra and Onasagorou areas, along with the surrounding pedestrian streets, have remained largely stagnant and continue to lose commercial and social vitality year after year.
According to the committee, visible signs of neglect in parts of the historic centre, declining visitor numbers, difficulties attracting new uses and the pressure faced by small businesses all demonstrate the need for a more ambitious and comprehensive intervention.
Objections to the plan
A central point of criticism concerns the project's budget.
Shop owners and residents argue that the funding allocated so far is insufficient and fails to reflect the area's actual needs. According to the committee, the budget presented during the municipal council session on June 18, 2026, is inadequate for a project that should protect businesses and residents' quality of life both during construction and after completion.
The group also expressed concern over reports that side streets east of Onasagorou Street and west of Ledra Street will be excluded from the project.
According to the committee, this would leave out several important pedestrian streets, including Hippocrates Street, home to the Leventis Municipal Museum.
The affected parties are calling for the involvement of specialist consultants, transparent consultation procedures, a significant increase in funding, financial guarantees for compensation, institutional support measures for businesses, more urban greenery and strict implementation timelines.
Prountzos' response
Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos believes the concerns are being raised at a very early stage, noting that the planning process has not yet been completed.
He said the project includes an extensive programme of public consultations before a final tender is issued.
In the coming weeks, dates will be announced for a series of meetings organised around four thematic areas related to the redevelopment. According to Prountzos, the aim is to present the project's timetable and planning framework while also giving residents, business owners and other stakeholders an opportunity to submit views, suggestions and practical concerns.
Responding to criticism of the budget, the mayor rejected claims that the €10.8 million allocation is insufficient for the planned interventions on building facades and pedestrian streets.
He also noted that separate funding has been allocated by utility providers for electricity, telecommunications, sewerage and flood-prevention works.
Prountzos insisted that the historic centre requires upgrading in a way that improves both its appearance and attractiveness while safeguarding its day-to-day functionality.
He added that all utility infrastructure in the area has long exceeded its expected lifespan and that serious flooding problems persist in several locations, making the redevelopment necessary.
According to the mayor, the consultation process will be crucial in identifying the real needs of the people who live, work and operate businesses in Nicosia's pedestrianised historic centre.
