Work has begun on the long-awaited redevelopment of Agios Ioannis, one of Larnaca’s most traditional neighbourhoods, after delays of more than ten years. Provided there are no further delays caused by antiquities found in the area, the neighbourhood will be transformed within two years, both in appearance and in prospects.
Renovations of traditional houses are already under way, and a restaurant recently opened in one of them, now attracting more visitors to an area that has shown signs of neglect in recent years.
The contractor and the cost
Work on the redevelopment began in early August, carried out by MILTIADES NEOPHYTOU CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACTORS & DEVELOPERS LIMITED, a company that has carried out three other projects in Larnaca in recent years: the redevelopment of Alkis and Acropolis squares, the redevelopment of the commercial centre, and Pattichio Park.
The works are expected to take 24 months and are estimated to cost €6,272,000 plus VAT, co-funded by the Republic of Cyprus and Larnaca Municipality.
Road closures
Work is currently under way in a park in the area. Larnaca Municipality has scheduled a meeting with residents for Wednesday, August 26, to update them on the construction phases and the traffic arrangements that will apply during the works.
Larnaca’s mayor told philenews that residents would be briefed on the closure of certain roads from September 1, as well as the facilities that would be made available to them, adding that the project would significantly upgrade the Agios Ioannis parish.
What the redevelopment includes
The plans cover the entire neighbourhood, an area of around 23,000 square metres. The project includes rebuilding and improving the existing road network, widening pavements with new paving, creating a large central square along with smaller public spaces, and adding new parking areas.
New lighting and modern street furniture will also be installed, and green space will be significantly expanded.
The plans also include pedestrianising the Agios Ioannis–Metropolis–Tuzla Mosque axis and merging existing public square spaces. The area covered by the project includes several sites of historical significance, including the Church of Agios Ioannis, the traditional bathhouse and fountain, and the Tuzla Mosque.
Design based on sustainable mobility
According to the project’s designers, Polytia Armos, the redevelopment is based on the principles of sustainable urban mobility, prioritising pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities. The project also aims to revive the historic core of the parish by strengthening the area’s architectural, social and historical value, an area that has long served as a significant hub of religious and cultural life.
The project had previously been stalled, mainly due to antiquities uncovered during work on the sewerage system.
