Thank you for your response to attend here today, with the ultimate aim of presenting a grand Action Plan for the Regeneration and Revitalisation of Nicosia within the walls.
A Plan that is part of the Government's broader objectives to revitalise, reform and modernise the historic centre of the Capital and beyond.
As you will see from the comprehensive presentation by the Ministers of Finance and Interior, this is a series of targeted projects and actions that the capital can rightly claim that the city is changing.
Today's action plan complements a number of other projects such as the completion of Liberty Square, the new Municipal Hall, the restoration of the Municipal Theatre, the State Gallery of Contemporary Art, the CYENS Centre of Excellence, the transfer station at Solomos Square, the parking spaces that have been created, the upgrading and creation of sidewalks as well as the ongoing improvements to buildings and areas in the centre of the Capital.
I will limit myself to refer to some of the actions in what is called the old Nicosia.
Today's announcements concern Nicosia within the walls and have been prepared in the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding in cooperation with the parties, the Government, the Municipality of Nicosia, the Holy Archdiocese and the University of Cyprus.
The dynamics and perspective created in the area through the actions, plans and incentives will contribute to the development, modernization, beautification and promotion of the historic centre as a place of science, culture, with a vibrant and active community.
The Action Plan, beyond the educational and business aspects, is also addressed to young couples.
The Action Plan, beyond the educational and business aspects, is also addressed to young couples.
The call for home ownership in walled Nicosia extends the special plan already in place to cover, beyond the length of the Green Line, the entire walled city.
The move is part of the Government's wider housing policy plan for which €116 million worth of projects will be implemented in 2022.
Private and public initiatives will accompany residents, students and visitors in creating a capital city centre that will address and meet the daily needs of its people, improve the quality of life and the environment, while being an attraction for many.
The total budget of the plan is more than €40 million, while the inclusion of €25 million of actions for the regeneration of the walled city of Nicosia in the Recovery and Resilience Plan is evidence of the great importance attached to the effort to create a model of a modern, yet historic city.
In addition, the walled city will be supported through other projects of the Recovery and Resilience Plan, such as the sponsorship scheme for the upgrading of traditional eating places, and through spending on energy upgrading of buildings, for which approximately €100 million will be allocated.
As I have mentioned above, the current Action Plan is the result of consultation beyond the contracting parties and with a large number of scientific bodies, but also of the views and suggestions of ordinary citizens and organisations with a strong contribution and involvement in the events within the walls of Nicosia.
Therefore, I take this opportunity to express my thanks to those who contributed to the preparation of the Action Plan for the Regeneration and Revitalization of Nicosia within the Walls, and especially to the Municipality of Nicosia, the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus, the University of Cyprus, the NTEC and all other scientists and ordinary citizens who helped with their suggestions so that the current decisions and announcements were made by the Government.
(PM/NG/EXP)
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