Doing business in the capital… “The region has become more appealing”

It could easily be described as the most reborn capital of Europe. The city which, after more than two decades in decline, has finally managed to rise from the ashes and spread its impressive wings again.

And the businesses that dared to operate in the heart of Nicosia are now counting their successes. The people behind these businesses saw the prospects of working in the city centre and many made the decision to settle in the wider area, feeling, now justified in doing so.

But it is not just its modernisation and renewal that is bringing people back to the centre of Nicosia; it is much more.

It is the beautiful moments that were lived by our ancestors, the carefree childhoods of today’s parents and their desire to transmit this love to their children.

And now is the perfect time to do that, according to the people who live and do business in the district.

Eleni Markides, General Manager at Holland & Barrett Cyprus

To work and live in the centre of Nicosia has its own charm. It reminds you of your childhood years when everything was nearby, convenient and fun. And this is what the centre of Nicosia, where I live and work, is like.

A pleasant and friendly environment where one can enjoy all their comforts. From shops, nice cafeterias and restaurants to atmospheric bars; and all this in close proximity.

The Holland & Barrett store on Makarios Avenue has been operating for a few months now and it is the town centre’s newest destination wellness store. Its steady clientele is a further vote of confidence for the group and its belief in the region’s potential. We believe that the development of the capital’s historical centre is something the Nicosia resident wants.

Loukia Loizou Hadjigavriel – Director of A. G. Leventis Gallery and Foundation

"Throughout Nicosia, the walls watch over the permanent residents, host passers-by... they modestly repeat life with the next sun" – The Joy of Land, 1983

These words by Nicosia-born poet Kypros Chrysanthis, and many more, accompany me in my daily life in my town.

A vibrant town that lives with the ghosts of our recent history – and not only. A town that remains the last divided capital in Europe.

Nicosia, however, and its historical centre are always thriving and following in the rhythms of its people’s daily lives.

Nicosia is without a doubt the cultural capital of Cyprus. Culture, multiculturalism, the role it has as a financial and commercial hub, all come together in the historical centre and especially Eleftheria Square, which for a few years has been playing a new role in everyday life.

All this makes up my town and its historical centre, and remains my own professional and personal daily life, and I enjoy it both when it is cold and during the unbearable summer heat.

This is my Nicosia.

Eirene Christodoulou, General Manager Beauty Line

The rejuvenation of the centre of Nicosia has improved our daily life. The area has become more attractive to live and work with more clients and better working conditions, which also strengthens our industry.

Residents and visitors are delighted with the changes and the area is attracting more people as time goes on.

The future is looking even brighter, what with the centre developing into such a vibrant and momentous destination.

George Nicolaou, Restaurants Operations Manager, Zorbas Group (Pinolo & Pralina Experience)

Zorbas Group has been active in the heart of Nicosia for years now, joining the effort to rejuvenate the area. Initially with the Pralina Experience restaurant on Stasicratous Street and in the past two years, with the Italian restaurant Pinolo and the Coffee Berry on Makarios Avenue.

We who work in hospitality have daily contact with the people and what we have noticed is that the centre is gradually evolving into an ideal destination to live, work and have fun.

Modern and renewed, the town centre offers, amongst other things, a plethora of comforts and services, such as high street shops, cafeterias and restaurants, museums and government services.

Of course, there is still room for improvements that would give further impetus to the centre, making life easier for the businesses’ activities and in extent, the residents’ everyday lives.

On our part, the sole objective is to offer each visitor to the capital the best possible experience.

(This article was first published in the July issue of In Business magazine. To read the original, in Greek, click here)