Nicosia: A new study conducted by the Society and Urban Form lab (SURF) through the TWIN2EXPAND project, in collaboration with the Cyprus Ministry of Transport, Communication and Works and Cyprus Post, aims to improve access to citizen services nationwide. The research evaluates both existing and potential locations for Citizens’ Service Centers (KEPs) and Citizens’ Centers (KEPOs), which operate within selected post offices, to ensure equitable distribution of services.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the study employs spatial analysis to assess the effectiveness of current and potential service locations. The analysis is carried out on three levels: at the national scale, addressing accessibility for the entire population of Cyprus; within community clusters outside urban areas, including the Famagusta region, focusing on mountainous, rural, and semi-rural areas; and at the urban scale in cities such as Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos. The findings aim to identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations to optimize service locations.
The study’s evidence-based planning approach supports sustainable development goals, ensuring equitable service distribution for both urban and rural communities. This collaborative effort demonstrates the value of spatial analysis in public service planning and emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches in informing policy and infrastructure decisions. The results are anticipated to guide future initiatives to enhance citizen access to essential services.
TWIN2EXPAND, the project under which this study is conducted, brings together a consortium of leading European research institutions, including University College London, Polytechnic University of Turin, Chalmers University of Technology, and Space Syntax Limited. It aims to enhance the research excellence of the University of Cyprus in evidence-based design and planning. The project is funded by the European Union and UK Research and Innovation under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee.