THE HISTORIC GSP CLOCK
A NEW LEISURE SPACE FOR NICOSIA
LANDSCAPED GARDENS
A NEW MODERN APPROACH
REVITALISING NICOSIA'S CITY CENTRE
A GREEN TRANSFORMATION
Helping to revitalise Nicosia’s city centre, the new urban park, which has transformed the old GSP stadium site into a new public green space, has breathed new life into the area by attracting several visitors on a daily basis. The project, co-funded by the European Union, the state budget, and the Nicosia Municipality, has delivered several commercial units within its grounds, attracting new business, as well as leisure.
A NEW TRANSIT HUB
The park connects to other areas of the city via a transit hub. These include both Eleftheria and Solomon Squares. The restored iconic stadium clock stands by one of the entrances, adding historical context to the grounds that once hosted several international football teams.
SEVERAL MODERN AMENITIES
The park’s overall design features a recessed centre and elevated edges, specifically designed to reduce traffic noise. Its water feature is specifically designed to improve the microclimate within its grounds and its green spaces provide several modern amenities. These include a large public plaza and an underground parking facility with electric vehicle charging stations.
A HISTORIC SITE
Situated in the Strovolos area of the Nicosia district, the old historic stadium was home to the three biggest football clubs of Nicosia. During its tenure, it hosted several memorable football matches. With a capacity of just under 23,000, APOEL, Olympiakos, and Omonia all played their home matches there, and it was also used as the home stadium for the Cyprus national football team. Although small by international standards, the stadium was the largest in Cyprus at the time.
THE OLD STADIUM CLOCK
The overall design concept of the new venue pays homage to the old stadium by incorporating stadium-like structures within its design. The iconic stadium clock, which stands by one of the entrances, adds nostalgia to its modernity and recognises the site’s sporting history.
NEW FACILITIES
Designed with easy access for the public in mind, the space serves as an attractive public hub that intends to remain accessible for several public leisure activities. The new space has multiple event halls that have the capacity to host thousands of visitors. The site also features a new Citizen Service Centre, which is located in the semi-basement of the main building. Other additions include a new outdoor amphitheatre with a giant screen, a multi-purpose hall, a waterfall, restaurants, cafes, and several retail outlets. The new underground car parks offer electric charging stations and have a capacity for over 500 car spaces.
NEW TRANSPORT LINKS
A new pedestrianised road, linking the Municipal Theatre area to the new Cyprus Museum through the unified moat in Eleftherias Square, has also been installed. This new connection enhances mobility and provides easier access to both the old GSP site and the upgraded shopping centre. The Municipality of Nicosia has also partnered with Cyprus Public Transport to introduce minibuses that transport visitors from the new site to the city’s historic centre. This has helped to ease traffic congestion and has encouraged the use of public transport.
NEW GREEN SPACES
Fully embraced by both residents and visitors, the new space now serves as a key urban renewal initiative that enhances Nicosia’s sustainability. Bringing new life to the area, this redevelopment has seen the old stadium transformed into a new green, vibrant space in the heart of the city. In light of this, the new modern leisure space is part of a larger cultural hub that includes two elevated green areas that surround the perimeter. These are flanked by a series of new trees that have been planted in droves to enhance these areas.
KEY FEATURES
Sitting between Grigori Afxentiou, Evagorou, and Vasileos Pavlou streets, the new, modern open green space is now the largest public space in the City of Nicosia. The recreational area includes beautifully landscaped elevated green space areas that are covered with lush evergreen Mediterranean forest that includes deciduous trees. The area is further highlighted by native shrubs and herb bushes surrounded by flowering plants and vibrant greenery.
This space features
- An open-air amphitheatre
- A two-level underground parking facility with 500 spaces and EV charging stations
- An exhibition gallery
- A historic clock, honouring the legacy of the beloved football stadium that once stood here
- Illuminated cycling and walking paths for night-time perusal.
- A café and various restaurants
- Recreational areas that include two man-made hills
NEW MODERN GROUNDS
