Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis has presented urban regeneration proposals to Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou, focusing on modernising the city’s landscape and infrastructure.
The strategic discussions centred on the ambitious coastal road redevelopment project, relocating the shipyard, and utilising key state-owned properties in central Limassol. These include the old hospital site, the central police station, and the former post office building.
Speaking to Phileleftheros, Armeftis highlighted that targeted actions and partnerships aim to create more functional, green, and human-centred public spaces. The proposals focus on enhancing accessibility, university development, and public-private sector cooperation.
“Our goal is a more sustainable, innovative Limassol that is friendlier to residents and visitors,” the mayor said.
Coastal road regeneration prioritises pedestrian access
The shipyard’s relocation emerged as a crucial element for advancing the coastal road redevelopment scheme. Armeftis confirmed that the ministry has agreed to launch an architectural competition for the regeneration project.
“We have already requested the architectural competition announcement. The minister agreed—it was also part of the President’s announcements during his visit to Limassol in May,” Armeftis stated.
The municipality proposes two parallel processes: relocating the shipyard whilst identifying alternative premises, and launching the architectural competition. The mayor highlighted the shipyard’s continued economic importance as Cyprus develops as a maritime support centre, with five marinas creating increased vessel maintenance demands.
The municipality has requested property owners along the coastal road to surrender their plot boundaries for integration into the area’s broader masterplan.
“The objective is connecting the port with the city centre through a pedestrian-friendly environment. We don’t want a four-lane road. We want a walking space, a public area that belongs to Limassol residents,” Armeftis stressed.
A seabed and beach cleaning campaign is scheduled for 27 September to prepare the coastal zone for swimming activities.
Regarding access to the new waterfront, the mayor confirmed the plan provides exclusive access for pedestrians and public transport. The municipality is examining alternative scenarios using buses or conducting preliminary research into fixed-track transport viability.
“We essentially don’t want cars in this area,” he clarified.
Old hospital site earmarked for university development
Addressing the old hospital site, Armeftis clarified that the municipality does not claim ownership of the property but supports implementing a development programme by the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK).
“We want a development programme implemented for the city’s benefit. The goal is creating a hub with administrative and university functions serving the broader area,” he said.
Proposals include changing the police building’s use and potentially converting it into a conference centre. An adjacent 42,000-square-metre plot could be further utilised with appropriate modifications.
The mayor noted that state services’ requirements are significantly less than the site’s capacity, suggesting mixed-use development. This would include university facilities, government services, research centres, and shared urban spaces.
“We envision a large urban square connecting the water tower with TEPAK’s second campus near the Technical School. We want a hub for administrative and research functions, potentially through public-private partnerships,” he said.
Armeftis concluded that the municipality’s proposals share a common goal of creating quality public space for citizens, focusing on urban development beneficial to Limassol and its city centre.
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