Nicosia to repurpose State Fair and SOPAZ sites into park and conference center by 2027

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou announced that the former State Fair site in the Engomi district of Nicosia will be converted into a public park, while the SOPAZ facilities will be redeveloped into a modern conference and exhibition center. These projects are scheduled to commence in 2027 as part of a strategic partnership between the Interior Ministry and the Nicosia municipality.

The initiative effectively discards previous proposals that suggested the site be used for government offices, a hotel, or a corporate complex, prioritizing urban renewal and public space instead. During his address to parliament regarding the ministry's 780 million euro budget for 2027, Ioannou emphasized that this development aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and elevate the capital's status as a destination for international exhibitions.

Beyond these specific redevelopments, the ministry’s budget includes a significant focus on housing, with 70 million euros allocated for the construction of 460 affordable housing units. In total, the ministry has launched projects for 4,000 units to address housing demand. The ministry’s budget shows an increase of 1.5 million euros compared to 2026, with development spending accounting for approximately 33.1 percent of the total.