The Government, responding directly to the new socio-economic conditions, is promoting a series of reforms aimed at digital transformation, and has drawn up plans to promote investment in order to create additional jobs with a view to the transition to the new era by upgrading the spatial and architectural environment, always with a view to green development, Interior Minister Nikos Nouris said in his address at the ceremony of the Cyprus Association of Architects' Student Architecture Awards for the year 2021.
The Interior Ministry, as the development ministry par excellence, has adapted its policies perfectly to this new vision, he said, adding that in order to better serve citizens and designers, "we have reformed and simplified the licensing procedures."
He went on to say that it is now possible to apply online for faster, more efficient and more transparent planning and building permit procedures in just 10 days for residential developments on approved land.
He noted that 2,500 new permits have already been issued under this new procedure, while from 1/6/2022 the fast-track licensing will be extended to larger and more complex developments.
The completion of this reform effort will come with the passage of the Bill on the licensing procedure for so-called Strategic Investments, which provides for the granting of all permits within a maximum of 12 months.
In addition, and in addition to intervening through a series of urban incentive concession plans, most of which are terminated by the end of 2022, the Ministry of Interior is also studying the issue of urban rezoning.
He clarified that the aim is to reduce urban expansion and the rational use of existing residential zones in order to minimize their further expansion and ensure the protection of the natural environment, with a clear position to limit the phenomenon of individual housing.
Referring to the Integrated Action Plan for the Regeneration and Revitalisation of Nicosia within the Walls, he said it aims to attract new residents and new investment by providing generous incentives to boost economic activity, regeneration and revitalisation of an area with special characteristics.
He further said that it was planned with the Minister of Finance in January to announce "this mega project that we believe can completely change the centre of Nicosia, together with the new spatial planning that the Ministry of Interior is promoting in the area of the Archministry with the construction of the three buildings housing the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Transport, thus turning Severis Avenue into an axis of central government services."
Addressing the young architects, he called on them to actively support this effort with creativity. "For upgrading the natural and built environment. Applying your modern and innovative ideas. Drawing on your training and expertise."
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