Vision

Safeguarding, transmitting, and promoting the historic memory of Cyprus and at the same time being the powerhouse of culture and innovation-led transformations.

Developing Nicosia HUA by aligning and connecting heritage, culture, community, memories with future proofing the city. Taking on international motives yet having a clear and solid link to the historical lineage of the Nicosia population.

Nicosia’s HUB-In Place

Nicosia’s historic urban area (HUA) is also known as the Nicosia walled city: the old city centre surrounded by Venetian Walls dating from 1567.

Nicosia HUA is full of art, culture and architecture, with museums, galleries, shops, bars and restaurants nestled in narrow alleys. The HUB-IN place will not be a specific physical location, but rather become the imbrella to connect and showcase the strong elements of the HUA.

Values

• Catalyst for URBAN CULTURE
• TRANSFORMATIVE place
• EMOTIONS and HERITAGE
• OPEN and ACCESSIBLE

Missions

Aim

To interconnect existing developments and initiatives, enhancing their performance and impact. The aim within is to develop an integrated strategy, acknowledging the vibrant, active and collective elements of the historic area that stimulate culture, sustainability and innovation towards revitalization of the HUA.

Mission 1: The Hood | Establish a Strong and Inclusive Neighbourhood: improving the local experience and creating a sense of belonging

• Promote the creation of the image “Greener Nicosia” by improving public green spaces and access- where possible – to yards/roofs and other unknown spaces within the urban fabric.
• Develop a new sustainable way to navigate in the HUA more effectively, by redeveloping and reframing the narrative around urban mobility and especially soft mobility.

Mission 2: The Platform | Establish a user-friendly platform for HUA to serve as an umbrella and a bridge within the HUA Nicosia

• Provide opportunities for the HUA users and members of the neighbourhood ( e.g. pharmacies, mini kiosks, doctors, etc.) to allow for proximity services to residents and improve quality of life within the HUA.
• Digitalise the HUA by contributing to the development of a Nicosia digital twin, by opening a call for experimentation and assistance of forging and nurturing the digital twin with the main goal to make it more inclusive and complete.

Mission 3: Activations | Establish a strong mechanism of HUA to be welcoming, transparent and measurable for all

• Develop a programme to promote the integration of heritage and innovation, by fostering the upscaling and upskilling of traditional activities, and promote the connection of the material and immaterial heritage with today and future needs and functions.
• Develop a programme to collaborate with city ambassadors (individuals/ community leaders/ organizations), to serve as the mediators between the brand strategy, the municipality strategic plans and the citizen’s voice.

Annexes

The following documents can be consulted at this link:

• ANNEX 1 – Citizens and Stakeholders Survey about the Historic Centre of Nicosia (results analysis for March 2021)
• ANNEX 2 – Co-design workshop report – May 2022