Renovations aimed at promoting arts and culture.
Nicosia Municipality has sought to assure residents and business owners in the old town’s centre that an overhaul is on the cards, this time with an emphasis on arts culture.
Mayor Eleni Mavrou confirmed this week that the municipality is studying a new scheme to give a facelift to certain streets suffering from infrastructural problems and environmental rot.
Residents have long complained about deteriorating facilities on Old Nicosia which they say are holding back economic growth.
“This is part of our ongoing mission to rejuvenate Old Nicosia and increase interest from business owners and investors,” said Mavrou.
The Mayor added that one of the planed measures is to renovate a number of derelict Turkish Cypriot Properties in the area.
This is a good news for the arts community of Nicosia as the municipality has plans to promote culture by turning some of these buildings into studios and workshops for young and upcoming artists.
“Our aim is to transform areas into art centres, where we will promote culture while also improving the general aesthetics of the old part of the capital”.
According to Mavrou, the municipality has already contacted the Guardian of Turkish Cypriot Properties over the matter and by March expects an answer over weather the buildings can be used for this purpose.
“There are many such properties which due to their condition downgrade the general appearance of the old part of town but could be put to good use with a little work,” said Mavrou.
The Mayor added that once consensus was obtained then arrangements could be made for the renovations to begin with an aim of renting out workshops to young artists at a minimal cost.
“This is one of the plans that we are studying at the moment,” said Mavrou.
“We have so far identified around 25 abandoned shops in the area, some of which are grouped together, that would be suitable for this purpose.” The Master Plan also aims to make Old Nicosia a more attractive destination for local people and visitors by reducing traffic congestion. Mavrou added that the municipality had identified around ten vacant Turkish Cypriot plots of land within the old city walls that the municipality hoped to turn into small parking areas to help deal with the town’s ever growing parking problem. “This is another way in which we are hoping to out down on traffic congestion.” Aside from the dilapidated buildings spoiling the aesthetics of the old town the mayor said many of structures had deteriorated to the point that they could become dangerous.
“It is not just a matter of improving the image of the town but ensuring that buildings are structurally sound and can be put to good use.”
Mavrou said that last week municipality representatives had met with Interior Minister Neocles Sylikiotis to discuss the renovation projects and had agreed to proceed as soon as authorisation was granted. “The purpose of the meeting was to spend up the process and set deadlines.
“Over the past year we have noticed that things have not been moving as they should and this meeting was the first of a series to ensure that we are on the correct path.”
“The Interior Minister will be assessing the cost and length of the project,” said Mavrou.
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