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Nicosia’s Old Gsp Redevelopment: A Strategic Shift To Modern Commercial Hub

Tender Announcement And Strategic Vision

In November, the public tender to commercially develop the historic Old Gsp site is expected to be announced, marking a decisive step in redesigning the area as a new commercial hub in the nation’s capital. The municipality is working diligently to ensure that by next year, the rejuvenated site will begin its operation as a modern gathering point for both commerce and community life.

Dynamic Commercial Offerings And Enhanced Public Spaces

According to recent updates from official sources, once transformed, the space will feature a mix of restaurants and cafes, inviting visitors to complement their leisurely strolls with quality dining and beverages. Already open to the public for daytime walks and relaxation, the area has experienced a notable increase in foot traffic. This uptick in public engagement underscores the potential for the site to evolve into a vibrant center for both recreation and tourism.

Robust Consultation And Thoughtful Infrastructure

The consultation process has been completed, and the municipality, in partnership with the General Accountant’s Office, is now focused on finalizing the tender documentation. With seven available units—two dedicated to restaurants, two to cafes, and three flexible spaces to be tailored based on future proposals—the project is poised for varied commercial adaptation. Notably, a Citizen Service Center is planned behind the amphitheater square, and an additional unit along Evagorou is earmarked for a mini-market or a similar venture.

A Unified Approach And Future Expansion

The development strategy calls for a ‘cold shell’ delivery method, meaning each unit will be handed over in a basic structural form, allowing the successful bidder to customize the interior based on specific operational needs. Emerging discussions suggest a potential consortium model, wherein the entire collection of spaces could be jointly developed rather than as isolated units. This unified approach promises a coordinated aesthetic and operational consistency across the redevelopment.

Potential Inclusion Of Adjacent Assets

In addition to these planned initiatives, the possibility remains to integrate the restaurant space on the ground floor of the THOK building—adjacent to Old Gsp and currently underutilized—into the overall commercial strategy. This prospect, originally conceived in the initial design phase, could further streamline the transformation and maximize the area’s economic and social impact.

As Nicosia moves forward with this ambitious project, the focus remains on expedient implementation to avoid any stagnation. The convergence of thoughtful urban planning, strategic commercial partnerships, and active community engagement signals a promising future for this historic site.

Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.

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