One of the most notable initiatives is the upgrade of the area around Magli Lake in Lakatamia, where buildings made of clay using a 3D printer will be constructed for the first time, “to see whether this could be viable as an alternative building material,” says Nassos Kolyvas.

The redevelopment works planned for the Pedieos Linear Park include 14 new pedestrian bridges, 8 bicycle repair stations, 8 new parking areas, one electric vehicle charging point, two new bike parks, a new lighting network, and new tree plantings covering 190,000 square metres.

The Pedieos Linear Park, a major project for the modern residents of the capital, was created in 2002. Beyond the 14-kilometre pedestrian and cycling path along the riverbanks, which has evolved into a space for walking, exercise, meeting and relaxation for Nicosia residents, the park has, nearly 25 years after its creation, developed into a rich ecosystem. The dense vegetation that has grown along its length is a treasure for the city, acting as a green lung and source of oxygen, while also providing habitat for birds and animals that find refuge there.

After more than two decades, the time has come to begin the redevelopment of the Pedieos urban park, which will be implemented through the inter-municipal cooperation of Nicosia, Strovolos and Lakatamia. Despite delays in the start of the works – considering that the master plan was prepared in 2021 and the goal was to implement the project five years later – this year is considered critical, as applications for permits will be submitted, with the aim of starting the first phase of works in 2027.

Timelines

On the occasion of the public presentation of the Pedieos Urban Linear Park development project last Friday, during the launch of the 2nd Pedieos Sustainability Festival, the project coordinator and municipal engineer of Strovolos, Nassos Kolyvas, spoke to Politis about the key elements of the design, the implementation plan and the project’s contribution to sustainable urban development.

As he explains, the preliminary studies have been completed, and the final study concerning the detailed construction plans for the overall development is currently underway. This is expected to be completed within a year so it can be submitted to the District Local Government Organisation (EOA) for the issuance of a building permit.

At the same time, applications for planning permits are expected to be submitted in May, while the first project tenders will be announced within the year. According to Kolyvas, the project has been divided into work packages, with construction expected to begin in early 2027, provided the required approvals are granted.

Funding for the first phase, while the total cost of all phases is expected to exceed €30 million, will come 85% from European funds from the current programming period. The second phase will be included in the 2028–2034 programming period, which is currently being prepared.

Ecosystem protection

The most significant aspect of this development is not only the infrastructure for visitors but also the environmental interventions. According to Kolyvas, this is the first time in the history of the Pedieos River that measures are being promoted for ecological restoration, including the management of wastewater and stormwater, protection from the impacts of climate change such as flooding, and the strengthening of biodiversity.

Measurements and recordings are currently being conducted regarding the flora and fauna of the park, including birds and foxes. As Kolyvas notes, “if you do not know the data, how can you protect the ecosystem?”

Planned works

The redevelopment projects include, among others: 12 new kiosks and refreshment areas, 12 solar pavements or road surfaces, 2 kinetic pavements, 7 new public toilets, 14 new pedestrian bridges, 8 bicycle repair stations, 8 new parking areas, 1 electric vehicle charging point, 2 bike parks, a new lighting network, tree planting across 190,000 square metres, new football fields, volleyball, tennis and basketball courts, a recycling bin network every 400 metres, playgrounds, insect breeding areas, botanical gardens, two central squares, two new outdoor amphitheatres, and the transformation of Magli Lake into a park with free access for all.

Energy infrastructure

Among the innovations are energy-producing playgrounds, which use the kinetic energy generated by children playing to power lighting, sound effects and devices. There will also be kinetic pavements, innovative surfaces that convert the energy from pedestrians’ steps into electricity, as well as solar pavements and roads, where integrated photovoltaic panels transform streets, pedestrian areas and parking spaces into sources of clean energy.

“These innovations will be tested here as part of a pilot programme to see how they could be applied more broadly in the urban environment,” Kolyvas explains.

Adventure Park

Another key addition will be the transformation of part of the linear park in Prodromou, Engomi, where an adventure park will be created. “We will embrace the trees with wooden structures, allowing children – or anyone who still feels like a child – to climb and play among the trees,” he notes.

Another intervention planned on the Nicosia–Strovolos boundary is a bridge connecting the Agios Dimitrios Park with nearby educational institutions.

Magli Lake and 3D construction

Another significant project is the upgrade of the area around Magli Lake in Lakatamia, where 3D-printed clay buildings will be constructed for the first time to test whether this technology could provide a viable alternative building material. The works will take place along the Pedieos riverbed, as the lake itself remains under the ownership of the Kykkos Metropolis.

Protection of birds

In specific locations identified by the project’s biologists, special lighting will be installed that reduces to 20% intensity at night to protect nesting birds. The lights will be motion-sensitive, increasing brightness only when people pass through.

According to Kolyvas, all the projects combined are expected to remove significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the city, contributing to the effort for climate neutrality.

During the first phase, works will include the redevelopment of the public garden in Nicosia, the construction of the Prodromou park, upgrades in Agioi Omologites and Strovolos municipality, and the creation of a square along the Pedieos riverbanks in Lakatamia.

Extension toward the buffer zone

It is also important to note that an extension of the linear park toward the buffer zone has recently been agreed upon. The project is expected to begin this year and be completed in 2027. Further details will be presented during a conference organised as part of the 2nd Pedieos Sustainability Festival.

The festival, titled “Flow of Life”, began yesterday and will run until 10 May. More than 70 events will take place along the river, from its sources in Machairas in the Trivilloura area to its outlet in occupied Famagusta.

Activities include guided tours, river clean-ups, tree planting, screenings, conferences and concerts. The festival is organised by the Office of the Commissioner for Environment and Animal Welfare, Antonia Theodosiou, in cooperation with the NGO KyklOIKOdromio, with the participation of local authorities and organised groups.

Its aim is to highlight the Pedieos River as a valuable natural ecosystem and a place of life, meeting and creativity, provided that balance and resilience are safeguarded for the common good.

Selected events

21 April: River clean-up and lecture on the scops owl, Anagyia

22 April: Guided tour – fossils in Pedieos, Lakatamia

25 April: Windcraft concert, Lakatamia

25 April: Visit to the archaeological site “Chelidonia” and guided tour in Kapedes

25 April: Birdwatching at the Kouklia dam lake, Famagusta district

29 April: Event on caring for wildlife and companion animals, Strovolos municipality

30 April: Presentation of the linear park extension toward occupied Nicosia, Department of Town Planning

1 May: May Day cycling ride, Strovolos municipality

2 May: Music event “Songs Under the Stars”, Lazania

8 May: Workshop on creating ecological bird feeders, Strovolos municipality

10 May: Closing ceremony with music by the band Alaloum, Lakatamia

The full programme is available digitally through the #eventorio mobile application and online at https://app.eventorio.com/#events.

Pedieos River #