University of Cyprus: TWIN2EXPAND – Translating Scientific Knowledge for Application in Urban Planning Policy and Practice

Optimising Access to Citizen Services in Cyprus through Evidence Based Design_ACCESS

A new study by the Society and Urban Form (SURF) laboratory within the TWIN2EXPAND project, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works and Cyprus Post, aims to improve access to citizen services across the country. The survey assesses the location of the Citizen Service Centres (CSCs, CCCs) operating in selected post offices, as well as possible new locations, to ensure better access and distribution of services for all citizens.

Using spatial analysis, the study examines both existing and potential locations of Citizen Service Centres to assess how effectively they serve the population. The analysis is conducted at three levels:

  • National Scale: Assessing access for the total population of Cyprus.
  • Groups of Communities Outside Urban Areas, including the Famagusta region: Assessment of access in mountainous, rural and semi-rural areas.
  • Urban Scale in the cities of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos: Focus on access within the cities.

The findings identify areas where access can be improved and provide recommendations for optimising service locations. By implementing evidence-based design and planning, the study supports sustainable development objectives and contributes to ensuring a more equitable distribution of services, meeting the needs of both urban and rural communities.

This collaborative effort highlights the importance of spatial analysis in public service siting planning and underscores the importance of using evidence-based approaches to inform infrastructure-related policies and decisions. The results of the study are expected to guide future initiatives to improve citizens’ access to basic services.

For more information, contact [Natia Charalambous, SURF lab, University of Cyprus; Sofronis Tsiartas, Cyprus Postal Services; Pavlos Pavlidis, Cyprus Postal Services].

TWIN2EXPAND

The project “Twinning Towards Research Excellence in Evidence-Based Urban Planning and Design – TWIN2EXPAND” brings together a consortium of leading European research institutions, including University College London (UCL), Turin Polytechnic University, Chalmers University of Technology and Space Syntax Limited, to strengthen the University of Cyprus (UCY) research excellence in the field of Evidence-Based Planning and Urban Design (EBDP) and to promote interdisciplinary research and networking in the field.

Source: University of Cyprus | Latest news (https://shorturl.at/Sjell)