public square — The mayor of Paphos, Phedonas Phedonos, is encountering significant opposition to his plan for transforming the parking area on Konstantinou Kanaris Street into a public square. The proposal has raised concerns among the municipal council, particularly from Diko councillor Agathi Savvidou, who represents the majority view.
Savvidou argues that the plan would exacerbate the existing parking shortage in the city centre. She emphasises the necessity for practical solutions that cater to the needs of residents, workers, and visitors alike. “We must optimise existing public parking facilities while respecting the area’s character,” she stated, advocating for a comprehensive approach supported by technical and economic feasibility studies.
In her alternative vision, Savvidou proposed the construction of a multi-storey car park, which she believes could alleviate the chronic lack of parking spaces. She highlighted the potential benefits of such a structure, stating it would enhance commercial and social activity, reduce traffic congestion, and contribute to the sustainable development of Paphos’s historical and commercial centre.
Despite the council’s objections, Mayor Phedonos remains optimistic about the future of his proposal. He described the opposition as a minor issue, focusing on the fact that the plan would affect only 13 to 14 parking spaces. “There are over 600 more parking places in the surrounding area,” he argued, suggesting that the city centre’s parking concerns are overstated. “This is not the problem of our commercial centre,” he insisted.
Phedonos responded decisively to Savvidou’s claims regarding the parking shortage, declaring, “There is no shortage.” He dismissed the idea of multi-storey car parks as a populist solution, asserting that there is available land for creating an additional 300 parking spaces without needing to build upwards. However, he acknowledged the complexities involved due to the presence of Turkish Cypriot properties in the area, which could complicate development plans.
The ongoing debate reflects deeper issues within Paphos as local leaders grapple with balancing urban development, parking needs, and community character. As the council discusses Phedonos’s proposal, the future of Konstantinou Kanaris Street hangs in the balance, with stakeholders on both sides advocating passionately for their visions of the city’s development.
