Bi-communal priority projects within the walled city
The type of intervention selected for each homogeneous area in the historic centre was based on the areas’ architectural character, their social merits and economic viability.
This upgrade programme is implemented chiefly through public-authority intervention priority projects, which have a catalytic effect on revitalising the various areas, thanks in part to their immediate benefit but also the engagement of the private sector.
Chrysaliniotissa Project
The Chrysaliniotissa Revitalization Project is a social housing programme in an area long neglected due to its proximity to the buffer zone. An effort was made to attract young couples by building community facilities, such as a nursery, a students hostel and children’s parks. Young couples were housed in existing traditional buildings that were preserved and re-used. The public-authority intervention covered 25% of the area’s residential units which, having been repaired, were allocated based on various criteria to young couples with children who were willing to reside in the area on a long-term basis.
Pedestrianization of the commercial area in the historic centre
Pedestrianization of the commercial streets of Ledra and Onasagorou and of the streets in between was deemed a priority project, aimed at upgrading the area’s functionality and environment and allowing the area to compete with the new modern commercial centers outside the walled city.
During planning and implementation of the project an effort was made to enrich the area functionally, aesthetically and architecturally, rendering it more attractive to residents, shoppers and visitors.
Conservation of the ancient aqueduct
The project relates to the unearthing and conservation of the chambers of the Silihtar Aqueduct and the adaptation of the surrounding space.
Revitalisation of the Omerye Area
The area of the Omerye monuments fans out around the Augustinian church of St. Mary, which was used as a mosque during the Ottoman rule of Cyprus.
The rehabilitation of the area incorporates restoring the historic urban fabric, conserving the Ottoman baths, conserving sections of the mosque and upgrading the surrounding space.
Surveys along the buffer zone
The project focuses on studying and surveying the facades of buildings along the buffer zone, assessing their architectural value and drafting proposals for actions to prevent their collapse.
The Nicosia Master Plan project, titled ‘Architectural Heritage of the Buffer Zone in the Walled City of Nicosia’ received the Grand Prix award in the European Union’s 2011 prize for cultural heritage - Europa Nostra.
Faneromeni Area Revitalisation Project
The project concerns upgrading the environment adjacent to the buffer zone, to the left at the end of Ledra Street. It includes the preservation of building facades, upgrading of infrastructures and street-paving.
Nicosia Green Line rejuvenation programme
This government programme includes incentives for developing private properties within the Nicosia and Ayios Dometios municipalities that are in close proximity to the Green Line. It also funds public projects implemented in the same areas.
Various projects have been implemented as part of this programme, such as the Municipal Arts Centre, car parks on Ledra and Onasagorou streets in Old Nicosia, the Linear Park and the paving of Ayia Varvara Street in Kaimakli, the pedestrian pavement and cycle path in Pallouriotissa, and the new municipality in the old city.