Copyright philenews
Cyprus is investing approximately €55 million in creating and upgrading parks across the island to promote green development, sustainable mobility and improved quality of life for citizens, according to the Finance Ministry’s Directorate General for Development. The Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA 2021-2027” funds the projects, which aim to provide safe, functional, and sustainable public spaces for relaxation, social interaction, and contact with nature, the directorate said in an announcement. Parks represent critical interventions for sustainable development and quality of life, as beyond their environmental benefits, they function as meeting places that strengthen community cohesion and cultivate a sense of participation and familiarity amongst citizens and families, according to the directorate. The spaces also provide entertainment and stress relief, particularly in urban centres where intense daily rhythms are observed, the directorate added. Ten parks are being implemented under the programme with co-financing from the EU, the state budget, and local authorities. The €27.3 million redevelopment of the Old GSP Stadium into a green and recreation space in Nicosia was completed in early 2025. A linear environmental awareness park is being built along the Gialias River with a €5.6 million budget. Work is underway on the €6.6 million redevelopment of an area of Pattichion Park in Larnaca. The €3.2 million Salina Municipal Park in Larnaca and the €2.3 million multipurpose park in Tsiakkilero in the Larnaca district are also being created. Other projects include the €2.3 million Gauguin Street park in Limassol, completed in August 2024, and the €1.1 million park next to the Aetos Stadium in Limassol Municipality, completed in May 2025. The programme also covers the €4.3 million urban multipurpose park in Ayia Napa, the €900,000 sports and healthy activities space in Sotira, and the €1 million linear park in Acheritou. (information from CNA)
