A long-delayed tender to commercially develop spaces at Nicosia’s old GSP stadium is set to launch within days, pending approval from the Nicosia Municipal Council — which is expected to discuss the matter at today’s session.
According to Phileleftheros sources, the Accountant General has signed off on both the tender documents and their terms and conditions, bringing the process to an advanced stage.
Those involved believe it can now proceed without further obstacles, provided the council gives the green light.
The tender was originally planned for last November but has suffered significant delays. A positive council decision today would clear the way for the announcement to be published.
Five spaces, one manager
The tender covers five spaces intended primarily for restaurants and cafés. All five will be awarded to a single manager — bidders must cover the full set of spaces, and individual bids for separate units will not be accepted.
That decision has drawn pushback. When it emerged that the municipality was leaning towards the single-manager model, some interested parties pushed back, arguing the approach could shut out smaller businesses unable to take on all five spaces at once.
Concerns were also raised about whether the model would generate sufficient competition among bidders.
The spaces will be handed over in “cold shell” condition — basic construction only, with no completed interior fit-out. The winning bidder will be responsible for fitting out and equipping the spaces according to their chosen use and operational needs.
Late 2026 opening targeted
Based on the latest planning, and assuming bids are received, the commercial spaces are expected to open towards the end of 2026 or the beginning of 2027. The intervening period is needed to complete the award process, fit out the spaces and allow businesses to prepare for opening.