Four new outdoor gyms, new plantings in an area of 190,000 sq.m., two outdoor board game areas, 11 new playgrounds, an artificial lake, 14 new pedestrian bridges and many other constructions are included in the redevelopment plan of the 11.8 km long Pedieo Linear Park.
Already, a public presentation of the relevant study has been made and suggestions have been submitted by organized groups and citizens of the three municipalities that the park crosses (Nicosia, Strovolos and Lakatamia).
It is worth noting that based on the initial estimate of the year 2022, the cost would be around €22 million plus VAT, while based on the new updated estimates, it is expected to exceed €30 million. The cost of the study/supervision will be €1,356,000 plus VAT.
The project "Regeneration of the Urban Linear Park of Pedieos Potamos" will be co-financed by 85% by European funds and 15% by the municipalities of Nicosia, Strovolos and Lakatamia. It is part of the Integrated Spatial Development Strategy (SOHA) of metropolitan Nicosia and was approved for co-financing by the "THALIA 2021-2027" program.
The works will be implemented in the following two phases:In phase A, Actions P1 – Public Garden, P2 – Prodromos Park, P3 – Ag. Omologitites, P6 (Part) – Strovolos Town Hall, P13 – Lakatamia A. Phase B will be implemented at a later stage and will concern the remaining Actions P4 – Presidential Palace, P5 – Leof. Athalassas, P6 (Part) – Strovolos Town Hall, P7 – Parish of Ag. Vassiliou, P8 – Eleona, P9 – PAEEK, P10 – Agios Maas, P11 – Magli Lake, P12 – Ioannis Kapodistrias, P14 – Lakatamia B, P15 – Anthoupoli A.
The construction of phase A is expected to last 43 months and phase B is estimated to be implemented in the context of the next programming period 2028-2034.
The purpose of the project is the regeneration of the Linear Park on the Pedieos River in Nicosia and is implemented on the basis of a strategic plan which has been prepared and which includes, among others, regeneration works, ecological restoration of the river, management of severe weather phenomena, projects for the protection of flora/fauna and enhancement of biodiversity, connectivity of urban centers, pedestrian bridges, bicycle paths/pedestrian paths, Sports facilities, uses with renewable sources, energy, organic farming/cultivation, therapeutic gardens, playgrounds, recycling stations, ecological restoration of surface water flow network, sewage/rainwater management, irrigation networks, toilets, kiosks, refreshments, etc.
According to its initiators, the project of the regeneration of Pedieos will be the "green" axis on which the development of the involved municipalities of Nicosia, Strovolos and Lakatamia will be based and will be an example of sustainable urban development, both at national and regional level.
The study of the project started in early October 2024 and will be implemented in 16 action areas, located along the entire length of the Pedieos.
The mayor of Lakatamia, Dr. Fotoula Hadjipapa, told "F" that the goal is for Pedieos to evolve into the western green lung of greater Nicosia. A place where nature, recreation, culture, environmental education and sustainable mobility will coexist in harmony for the benefit of current and future generations. Ms. Hadjipapa also mentioned that suggestions have been submitted by all mayors as well as by the audience in the direction of protecting the environment and improving the quality of citizens.
The project concerns the following actions and constructions
The main provision of the project is the enhancement/enrichment of the flora. For this purpose, new plantings will be carried out on an area of land of 190,000 sq.m. With the enhancement of riparian vegetation, the creation of wildflower gardens and urban Mediterranean gardens, a new music garden, seven new sensory/educational/therapeutic gardens and an artificial lake to enhance biodiversity.
The project also includes seven wooden event platforms, two outdoor and two square event spaces, two outdoor amphitheaters and three picnic areas.
To serve the users of the pedestrian street, the operation of eight refreshment stands and three points for the placement of small kiosks is provided.
For those who wish to exercise, five new courts (basketball, volleyball, beach volleyball, padel, tennis) and four new outdoor gyms are provided. In addition, a new outdoor activity park (climbing, parkour, etc.) will operate, while 11 new playgrounds will be formed for children.
For those who choose to go to the pedestrian street with their car, a "park & ride" area will also be formed, while electric vehicle charging points will also be created.
A new network of recycling bins will also be installed every 400 meters, while a new LMS lighting network will be installed every 50 meters.
At the same time, eight pollinator sites (bee and butterfly hotels) will be formed.
12 new public toilets will also be built and two existing ones will be upgraded.
For bicycle lovers, eight new bike hubs will be created, two new bike parks, while an existing one will also be upgraded.
A new skatepark will also be formed and an existing one will be upgraded.
In the new constructions and a new dog park with a parallel upgrade of an existing one. New Info points per kilometer, urban equipment (e.g. benches) are also being formed, while shelters for stray animals are also being replaced.
For those who cannot part with their board games, provision is made for the formation of two areas for these games.
On the menu are three energy playgrounds, a new atrium art exhibition area, as well as 14 new parking spaces with water-permeable floors.
And, of course, for emergency time, access points of the competent Services will be formed, while a new crisis management center will also operate.
The design also includes the configuration of living areas, along the pavement, with the creation of a green strip.
The park is technologically enhanced with 10.8 km. optical fiber and 500 smart sensors while information systems are installed in case of emergency (fire, flood, etc.). Finally, an automatic irrigation system based on soil and air moisture is installed.
