As stated in a statement by the EIB, the Plan presented at a press conference by the Ministers of Finance and Interior was prepared in the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding in cooperation with the contracting parties, the Government, the Municipality of Nicosia, the Holy Archdiocese and the University of Cyprus. The Plan includes the renovation of the Faneromeni School and the transfer of the University School, Grant Schemes for Student Housing, Entrepreneurship Support, First Home Acquisition, as well as other urban and financial incentives.
At the presentation, it is added, ETEC was represented by its First Vice President, Andreas Theodotou.
It is noted that "the Chamber has had an active role and participation in the formulation of the proposals, and has contributed by submitting its scientific opinion to the consultations held for the formulation of the Plan, a fact noted and for which the President and the Ministers expressed their thanks".
The announced Plan is based on a holistic strategy for the development of Nicosia within the walls, which aims to activate on multiple levels the different perspectives that make up the identity of the Old Town, and will have an impact on the whole city of Nicosia with its particular conditions and problems due to its division.
The Chamber believes that if the vision, on which the Plan was based, is properly implemented, it will contribute decisively "to the development, modernization, beautification and the emergence of the historic centre as a place of science, culture, with a vibrant and active community", as the President of the Republic noted in his speech.
The Chamber declares its support for this important initiative[/B] and is ready to contribute with its expertise in the next stages of the implementation of the Plan, so that the development of the Old Town is in line with modern practices for the development of historic centres with respect to their culture and emphasis on the quality of life of their inhabitants.
At the same time, it wishes "to stress that in order to achieve the objectives that have been set, crucial points will be the rapid licensing of developments with optimal use of technology (electronic submission), the effective protection of the architectural heritage, the transparency of the procedures and the continuous evaluation of the implementation of the Plan according to a specific methodology and on the basis of scientific data and feedback from stakeholders".
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