COMMITTED AND INTELLIGENT MASTER PLANNING
ENHANCING LIFE IN NICOSIA’S WALLED CITY: A STRATEGIC APPROACH TO INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT, CYPRUS
In response to the challenges posed by aging infrastructure and limited budgets, a comprehensive Infrastructure Master Plan has been prepared for the northern part of the Walled City of Nicosia. This plan focuses on infrastructure to promote resilience and better outcomes for residents, businesses, and the area’s rich heritage.
The northern part of the Walled City, home to a vibrant community and economic activity, has long wrestled with underfunded infrastructure. The peculiarity of its economic and political situation has resulted in reliance on external funding and often led to makeshift solutions rather than a systematic approach to managing assets.
This study underscores the crucial link between community well-being, economic vitality, and heritage preservation, highlighting the importance of adequate drainage, sewage systems, water supply, electricity, and waste management. URBAN Silence led the ‘soft infrastructure’ aspect, focusing on accessibility, transportation, parking, street quality, and public spaces, including areas for children.
The Master Plan outlines 17 interconnected infrastructure improvement programs, beginning with manageable initial steps that are based on existing resources. These programs pave the way for more comprehensive and better-funded action plans, encompassing a total of 96 projects. The overarching goal is to empower the ‘local administration’ to enhance governance practices and transition from reactive emergency measures to a sustainable and comprehensive infrastructure management approach.
