Historic buildings that had lain unused for years are being given a new lease on life. Abandoned spaces are being transformed into parks and recreational areas. Squares are once again becoming gathering places, while new social, educational, and sports facilities are creating better conditions for citizens’ daily lives. These are just a few of the changes currently underway in Cyprus’s cities through projects being implemented as part of the Cohesion Policy Program “THALIA 2021–2027,” co-funded by the European Union.

From the redevelopment of the old GSP Stadium and the revitalization of the Old Municipal Market in Nicosia, to new parks in Larnaca and Limassol, interventions in Kato Pafos and modern sports facilities in Sotira, the investments of the “THALIA 2021–2027” Program are gradually transforming Cypriot cities into greener, more functional, and more people-friendly places.

The “THALIA 2021–2027” Program with a total budget of €1.8 billion, of which €969 million comes from the European Union’s Cohesion Policy Funds and the remaining €842 million from the national budget, is the country’s primary development tool for implementing projects across a wide range of sectors, from territorial development and the green transition to entrepreneurship, employment, education, and social inclusion.

Here are 10+1 exemplary projects that demonstrate in practice how the EU’s Cohesion Policy helps transform a neighborhood, a city — and, along with it, the daily lives of the people who live there.

1. Redevelopment of the Old GSP

A space closely linked to the history of Nicosia has been given a completely new purpose. The Old GSP has been transformed into a modern green space and recreational area in the heart of the capital, featuring an urban park, an open-air amphitheater, a multipurpose hall, dining areas, and two underground parking levels.

The project, with a budget of €27.3 million, was carried out by the Municipality of Nicosia between November 2021 and February 2025.

2. The Old Municipal Market Becomes a Center for Research and Innovation

Within the walls of Nicosia, yet another historic building has been given a new lease on life. The Old Municipal Market in Nicosia has been restored and expanded and now houses the operations of the CYENS Center of Excellence, featuring laboratories, workspaces, and application demonstration areas, seminar rooms, multimedia studios, and other research and innovation facilities.

The project, with a budget of €7.8 million, was implemented by the Municipality of Nicosia from January 2021 to December 2023.

The project was selected by the European Commission as one of the 25 finalists for the 2026 REGIOSTARS Awards, which highlight outstanding Cohesion Policy projects from across Europe. The final evaluation will take place in October in Brussels.

3. Salina Municipal Park in Larnaca

A new green space has been created in the heart of Larnaca. Salina Municipal Park has been transformed into a modern and accessible space for greenery, sports, recreation, relaxation, and social interaction for people of all ages. It is a comprehensive urban development project that combines nature with modern urban design.

The project, with a budget of €3.2 million, was implemented by the Municipality of Larnaca between April 2023 and November 2024.

4. Park on Goguen Street in Limassol

In Zakaki, a public space has been transformed into a venue for sports, recreation, and socializing. The park on Goggen Street features an event plaza, sports and recreation areas, a playground, an outdoor theater, and more green space.

The project, with a budget of €2.3 million, was carried out by the Limassol Municipality from September 2022 to August 2024.

5. Revitalization of the Urban Fabric of Kato Pafos

Roads, sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, and squares in Kato Paphos were reconstructed and redesigned to create a more functional, safe, and attractive area for residents and visitors.

The project also includes modern street furniture and the enhancement of green spaces, contributing to improved accessibility and the highlighting of important historical and cultural landmarks in the area.

The project, with a budget of €6.4 million, was implemented by the Municipality of Paphos between February 2023 and July 2024.

6. Sports and Recreational Center in Sotira

A new multi-purpose sports and recreation center catering to all ages has been created in Sotira. It includes a multipurpose sports field, playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, and green spaces with rest areas, with accessibility provisions for vulnerable population groups.

The project, with a budget of €900,000, was implemented by the Municipality of Ayia Napa between June 2024 and July 2025.

7. Square Redevelopment and Facade Beautification in Zouhouri

The historic Zouhouri district in Larnaca has been given a new look, featuring new paving, green spaces, and recreational areas, a space for small events, accessibility features for people with disabilities, and the restoration of the facades of the surrounding buildings.

The project, with a budget of €2.9 million, was carried out by the Municipality of Larnaca between September 2020 and November 2022.

8. Paphos Historical Documentation Center

The Old Central Police Station in Paphos was restored and repurposed as a Historical Documentation Center, creating a new cultural space dedicated to the city’s historical and cultural identity.

The project also includes landscaping of the surrounding area, featuring green spaces, recreational areas, pedestrian walkways, a pedestrian bridge, and modern urban infrastructure.

The project, with a budget of €12.7 million, was implemented by the Municipality of Paphos between December 2023 and April 2026.

9. Redevelopment of the Outer Perimeter Arch of the Nicosia Moat

A continuous and accessible walking and cycling route is gradually being created around the capital’s Venetian walls, featuring green spaces, new lighting, viewing points, and “smart city” infrastructure.

The total project cost amounts to €10.4 million and is being implemented by the Municipality of Nicosia, with completion scheduled for November 2027.

10. CUT University School in Paphos

The new School of Tourism Management, Hospitality, and Entrepreneurship at CUT is housed in a modern, energy-efficient building in Paphos, featuring classrooms, lecture halls, laboratories, a library, study areas, and shared facilities.

The building can accommodate up to 1,000 students and 40 staff members, while also boosting the student presence and revitalizing the surrounding area.  

The project, with a budget of €20 million, was carried out by the Municipality of Paphos from December 2021 to September 2023.

+1. “Ploutis Servas Municipal Apartment Buildings” Municipal Center for Social Programs

Urban renewal isn’t just about streets, squares, and parks. It’s also about the services that serve citizens right in their neighborhoods.

In Limassol, the historic “Ploutis Servas” workers’ apartment buildings “Ploutis Servas,” built after World War II, have been restored and, together with a new three-story building, transformed into a modern multi-purpose center for social services. The facility houses municipal social support programs and initiatives by organizations targeting various segments of society, such as the Youth Organization, TEPAK, and the Cyprus Bar Association.

This is a prime example of how the preservation of architectural heritage can be combined with a new use that serves the city’s contemporary needs. The project, with a total budget of €6.5 million, was implemented by the Limassol Municipality and completed in January 2023.  

From the adaptive reuse of historic buildings to the creation of new green spaces and social infrastructure, these projects showcase a different dimension of Cohesion Policy: investments that do not merely change the appearance of cities, but the way people experience them on a daily basis.