Larnaca Municipality and the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) have started multiple steps since early April to meet deadlines for the upcoming School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development, which will be hosted in the city.
The school aims to welcome its first students in September 2027 in new buildings near the old airport, behind the Mackenzie beach car park. This target presents challenges, with numerous tasks needing completion within two and a half years.
CUT’s Senate unanimously approved the school’s creation on April 7, followed by unanimous approval from the university’s Council on Holy Wednesday. Simultaneously, Larnaca Municipality is preparing support studies for the €16.4 million building project at the site originally intended for Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute facilities.
Municipal sources indicate plans to secure planning and building permits by July, allowing construction tenders by October 2025. Construction should begin in early 2026 with an 18-month timeline. Buildings would be completed by summer 2027 at earliest. Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras confirmed alternative locations would be offered if facilities aren’t ready on time.
After Easter, Larnaca Municipality and CUT will sign an agreement to lease the building for €1,000 annually, including provisions for the Centre of Excellence CMMI’s involvement in school operations. Student housing remains another major challenge, with discussions underway with the Kition Diocese and private investors.
CUT faces steps dependent on government services and parliamentary timelines. CUT Rector Panagiotis Zaphiris told Phileleftheros the next step involves the Ministry of Education and the Law Office adding the school’s name to legislation before parliamentary approval.
“Given time pressures, this process should ideally finish by summer. After that, we must develop study programmes for submission to the Higher Education Quality Assurance and Certification Agency, while addressing budget requirements for staffing and operations,” Zaphiris said.
According to CUT’s feasibility study timelines, recruitment of 20 highly qualified academic staff with international experience and 13 administrative staff should begin in 2026. “We cannot hire people when the school doesn’t legally exist,” Zaphiris noted.
Initially, two departments will operate: Marine Biology and Technology, and Sustainable Development, with graduate and doctoral programmes added later. The university aims to gradually attract about 450 students.
A Grant Thornton feasibility study showed the project’s viability with annual fiscal impact between €3.5-4 million. Over ten years (2025-2034), projected revenue totals €55.2 million against €54.2 million in expenses. The first three years (2025-2027) require about €25 million, with €16 million for building costs.
The 4,500 square metre facility will include amphitheatres, classrooms, laboratories, offices, and recreational spaces, constructed following sustainability principles with emphasis on energy efficiency and renewable energy.
