February 27, 2026

A structured technical discussion was held with mobility-related professionals to assess the current conditions of Anexartisias Street. The session focused on identifying key conflicts, constraints, and realistic opportunities for change within the urban mobility system.

The discussion provided essential technical insights into accessibility, circulation, safety, and logistics.

This will continue as an ongoing process of collaboration, testing and ground-truthing multiple scenarios and ideas. These inputs support the development of feasible and effective design strategies, grounded in real operational conditions and expert knowledge.

March 16 & 26, 2026

As part of the initial phase of the participatory process, two structured interviews were conducted with the Municipality’s political team on March 16 and March 26, 2026. These sessions aimed to capture strategic priorities, political sensitivities, and long-term visions shaping the transformation of Anexartisias Street, providing insight into institutional expectations and its broader urban role within Limassol.

Key topics included the identity of Anexartisias as a central urban axis, public space quality, mobility, accessibility, economic activity, and cultural activation. The need to balance pedestrianization with commercial requirements, while ensuring feasible implementation, emerged as a critical consideration. These insights establish a strategic framework to guide design decisions and align the project with institutional goals.

March 17, 2026

On March 17, 2026, a structured group interview was held with the Municipality’s technical team as part of the diagnosis phase. The session focused on gathering technical knowledge, identifying operational challenges, and understanding the constraints and opportunities affecting Anexartisias Street. It provided a comprehensive reading of the street as a complex urban system.

The discussion addressed key themes such as public space continuity, thermal comfort, infrastructure systems, waste management, mobility, and accessibility. Social dynamics, economic activity, cultural use, and long-term governance were also explored. The interview highlighted that successful transformation depends not only on design quality but also on effective management, maintenance, and the integration of inclusive and climate-responsive strategies.

March 19, 2026

On March 19, 2026, a participatory workshop took place as part of the international conference Climate Neutral Blue Cities by 2030. The session explored climate-responsive strategies for the transformation of Anexartisias Street through a collaborative and hands-on methodology. Participants worked in groups on two case studies—Pentadromos and the space between Athinon and Themidos Streets.

Through this process, participants defined values, strategies, and proposals based on nature-based solutions. Key topics included microclimate, shading, green infrastructure, materials, mobility, and social use of public space. The workshop emphasized pedestrian priority, thermal comfort, and inclusive design, highlighting the potential to transform key nodes into climate-adaptive, people-oriented spaces that support both social life and environmental resilience.

March 21, 2026

A transdisciplinary internal working meeting was held with the design team to align perspectives and integrate different fields of expertise. The session focused on sharing initial insights, coordinating approaches, and establishing common objectives for the transformation of Anexartisias Street.

The discussion enabled the exchange of knowledge across disciplines, helping to identify key challenges and opportunities from multiple viewpoints. This step ensured coherence in the process and supported the development of a holistic and integrated strategy moving forward.

April 18, 2026

The thematic workshop took place at the Panos Solomonides Cultural Centre as part of the participatory process for Anexartisias Street. The session brought together 33 participants from different backgrounds - including professionals, stakeholders, and citizens - who worked in thematic groups (economy, culture, environment, mobility, and public space). Through discussion and mapping, participants shared experiences, identified challenges, and proposed ideas for the street.

The results indicate a need for a more comfortable and accessible street for everyone, with improved walking conditions and more spaces for staying and social interaction. The need for shade and greenery was also emphasized, along with the importance of a more active and lively public space and support for local businesses. In addition, better access to the city center was highlighted, including parking solutions in the wider area to support the street’s functionality.

April 18, 2026

A meeting was held with representatives of local businesses on Anexartisias Street, following a request from the business community to share their views early in the process. The session focused on both strategic questions about the future of the street and practical issues affecting its daily operation.

Participants highlighted accessibility and support for the local economy as key priorities. Main topics included parking, public transport, safety, and overall management, as well as the need for gradual and realistic improvements. The discussion also pointed to the potential of Anexartisias to strengthen its role as a commercial and cultural destination.

April 21, 2026

An accessibility walk was carried out along Anexartisias Street with 14 participants, including people with reduced mobility and neurodivergent participants, and their caregivers, aiming to understand the street through lived experience. The route was defined collectively, with stops at critical points identified by the participants.

The session highlighted significant barriers to movement, including uneven surfaces, narrow or obstructed sidewalks, lack of safe crossings, and limited access to shops. Sensory challenges such as noise and visual complexity were also identified. The activity provided a grounded understanding of accessibility, emphasizing the need for continuous, autonomous, and inclusive movement along the street.

April 21, 2026

A participatory activity with a gender perspective was conducted with 30 participants, primarily women of different ages, to explore perceptions of safety and comfort in public space. The session began with a sensory exercise, encouraging participants to experience the space beyond visual perception.

The discussion revealed how environmental conditions such as lighting, noise, spatial configuration, and visibility influence the sense of safety. Particular attention was given to the differences between day and night experiences and to areas perceived as isolated or unclear. The activity contributed to identifying spatial factors that affect inclusivity and highlighted the importance of designing for perceived and actual safety.

April 21, 2026

A participatory workshop was held with 26 students aged 15–16 to understand how young people use and perceive Anexartisias Street. The session combined mapping exercises with discussions on current uses, needs, and desired changes.

Participants described the street primarily as a space of movement and consumption, with limited opportunities for staying or social interaction. The lack of seating, shade, greenery, and youth-oriented activities was identified as a key limitation. The workshop highlighted the need to transform the street into a more inclusive and multifunctional public space that supports everyday social life beyond consumption.

April 22, 2026

A workshop with 20 primary school students aged 10–11 from A’ Astiki was conducted to capture children’s perspectives on Anexartisias Street through a creative collage exercise. Participants reflected on their daily experience of the street and proposed changes based on their needs.

The session revealed a strong desire for more nature, play, and spaces for staying. Participants identified cars, visual clutter, and lack of greenery as key issues, and proposed a more pedestrian-friendly and green environment. Their contributions emphasized the importance of comfort, safety, and play as essential components of the public space.

April 22, 2026

A participatory session was held with 6 participants, including teachers and representatives of the parents’ association, to explore the street from the perspective of the school community. The discussion focused on everyday mobility, safety, and the role of the street in children’s lives.

Participants highlighted the need to improve safety conditions, particularly around school areas, and to reduce the impact of traffic. Environmental factors such as noise, lack of shade, and limited accessibility were also discussed. The session also identified the potential of Anexartisias as a space for learning, play, and community activities, beyond its current function as a transit corridor.

April 23, 2026

A meeting with 21 participants, mainly shop owners from Anexartisias Street, was organized to understand the functioning of the area as a commercial axis and to gather insights from daily business activity. The session was structured as an open discussion focusing on current challenges and future needs.

Key topics included accessibility, parking, circulation, and the impact of potential interventions on economic activity. Participants expressed concerns about construction phases and timelines, while also identifying opportunities to improve the attractiveness and functionality of the street. The discussion contributed to building a shared understanding of the relationship between public space and local economy.

April 23, 2026

An on-site engagement activity was carried out along Anexartisias Street, visiting more than 100 shops and ground-floor businesses to inform them about the project and invite their participation in the process. The team walked along the street and its adjacent sidewalks, establishing direct contact with local stakeholders.

During the visits, information about the project was shared and online questionnaires were provided, allowing business owners and staff to contribute their feedback at their own time. The aim was to collect insights on everyday needs, logistics, accessibility, and the functioning of the street, ensuring that the design process is informed by the real conditions and requirements of local economic activity.

April 24, 2026

An online session was held with 1 external expert and the project team to review the redevelopment of Makariou Avenue in Nicosia and extract relevant lessons for Anexartisias. The discussion focused on mobility, implementation processes, and stakeholder engagement.

The case study highlighted the importance of coordinated planning, clear communication, and integration with wider mobility systems. Challenges related to long construction periods and limited public engagement were also discussed. The session provided useful insights to inform the ongoing process and to anticipate potential risks in the implementation phase.

April 26, 2026

The first open public workshop was held with 51 participants, including residents and local stakeholders, to gather input on the current conditions and future of Anexartisias Street. The session combined individual mapping exercises with thematic group discussions.

Participants identified key challenges related to mobility, public space quality, environmental comfort, and lack of social spaces. The discussion also highlighted opportunities for rebalancing street use, increasing greenery, activating the space through activities, and reusing underutilized areas. The workshop contributed to building a shared understanding of the street and to defining initial directions for its transformation.