The implementation of a package of 12 measures is proposed by ETEK for the revitalization mainly of the cores of the cities of Cyprus, with special reference to Nicosia, the problems of which had been discussed during a Workshop organized by the Chamber.
The measures range from taxation of land that is not being used, to tax incentives for those who renovate buildings in city centers. It also includes incentives to increase the permanent population, make buildings available for public use and other measures.
In more detail, the measures, which have also been submitted to the government, are as follows:
>> Acceleration/simplification of licensing (fast-track change of use and minor interventions)
• Establishment of a fast-track procedure for change of use of ground floors and for minor conversions/temporary uses.
• Standardization of requirements and standardized solutions for interventions in listed buildings, in order to reduce the time and uncertainty of licensing.
• Creation of a special one-stop-shop for licensing and support for the urban center, which will guide owners, businesses and investors for changes of use, minor interventions, temporary uses and reopening of ground floors, with predetermined response times and standardized procedures.
>> Parking as a policy tool (requirements review and targeted regulations)
• Review parking space requirements for businesses in the historic center and adopt alternative arrangements.
• Use of municipal spaces/parking vehicles with priority to residents and short visits, where the need is documented.
Parking policy must balance between avoiding through traffic and the need for functional access for residents, the disabled, the elderly, catering, short visits and small businesses. The solution is not the generalized reintroduction of the private car, but targeted, managed and measurable access, combined with public transport, soft mobility and last-mile solutions.
>> Tax incentives for renovations and investments in the center
• Introduction of tax incentives for owners who renovate/reactivate buildings within the center.
• Linking incentives with uses that enhance multifunctionality, housing, creative economy and education.
>> Management/concession of listed buildings by the municipality (institutional possibility)
• Creation of a framework so that the municipality can manage/grant dormant listed buildings in terms of public utility.
• Targeting cultural, social and educational uses that activate the public life of the center.
>> Mechanism for identifying and activating inactive properties (technical team and digital register)
• Establishment of a technical team for mapping, recording and systematic communication with owners of vacant/abandoned properties.
• Creation and continuous updating of a digital register of inactive inventory as a policy and transparency tool.
• The digital register should not function as a simple record, but as an activation tool: It should be accompanied by an organized communication program with owners, in order to identify obstacles to utilization, reactivation intentions, incentive needs and cases that require regulatory or tax intervention.
>> Fee/vacancy tax with a reinvestment clause in the center
• Introduction of a special fee for properties that remain inactive beyond a specified time limit (indicatively 3 years).
• Provision for collection/management at the level of the local authority and commitment to reinvest revenues in projects for the revitalization of the center.
>> Mixed-use support and conversion flexibility (multifunctionality)
• Arrangements that facilitate the mixing of uses (housing, work, culture, recreation) within the center.
• Reducing barriers to use conversions when quality of life and functionality conditions are ensured.
>> Incentives for permanent residence in the center
• Incentive program for increasing the permanent population (renovations/leases), with targeted groups (young professionals, young families, students).
• Strengthening the daily use of the center as a basic condition for sustainable revitalization.
• Permanent habitation should be treated as a central indicator of the success of rejuvenation and not as a side effect. The creation of affordable housing options for young professionals, students, young families and workers in the center must be linked to tax incentives, utilization of inactive buildings, rapid licensing of changes of use and partnerships with universities and large employers.
>> Connections and flow of public space (cohesive city experience)
• Uniform guidelines for materials, lighting, signage and urban equipment.
• Design of connections between intervention zones and integration of projects to function as a single network of pedestrian/bicycle/micromobility flows.
>> Coordination mechanism for implementation and monitoring (delivery and accountability)
• Establishment of a participatory body with representation of competent bodies (local authority, state services, ETEK, academics, organized bodies).
• The body acts as a structured platform for feedback on implementation: it meets on a regular basis, assesses progress based on indicators and recommends corrective actions to the Delivery Office.
• Establish an annual public progress report with clear indicators and quantified milestones.
• The coordination mechanism should not be limited to a monitoring or exchange role. It must have a clear operational mandate, named responsibility, the ability to propose decisions immediately, the obligation of the co-competent services to respond and a process of rapid escalation at the political level when obstacles to licensing, funding or responsibilities arise.
>> Cultural identity and creative economy (planning of activities)
• Support creative/cultural uses, residencies, workshops, makerspaces and temporary use programs in inactive buildings.
• Development of thematic routes and actions that enhance identity and traffic.
• Formation of a unified communicative identity for the center of Nicosia, so that it can be promoted as a place of residence, work, culture, creation and daily experience. This identity must be associated with public space, routes, events, signage, lighting and activation of ground floors.
>> Strengthening small entrepreneurship and activating ground floors
• Tools to support new activities on inactive ground floors and promote "local economy zones" with experimental/flexible schemes.
• Combination of incentives with planning of actions (pop-ups, events) to create a steady flow and financial sustainability.
Pilot activation of ground floors with temporary uses, pop-ups, small cultural and commercial activities, thematic routes and collaboration with businesses, universities and creative groups, in order to increase the stay in the center and create reasons for repeated visits.
