The Municipality of Larnaca has successfully secured over €30 million from European funds, as it had mature projects implemented in accordance with European standards, stated Mayor Andreas Vyras.
Mr. Vyras mentioned that “the Municipal Council has initiated an intensive effort to mature new projects, with the aim of the Municipality being ready to claim funds from European funds, either from approved funds of the current programming period that cannot be absorbed by other local authorities or from the next programming period covering the 2028-2034 seven-year period.”
“We have proven,” he continued, “that we can complete projects according to the specifications of European funds, and the Municipality of Larnaca has been designated as an ‘Exemplary Municipality’ for the utilization of these specific funds.”
He noted that “while the allocation for Larnaca, from the initial distribution of European funds, corresponded to about €11 million, with the maturation and construction of new projects, we managed to secure around €30 million.”
Responding to a question about the dismantling of the gas facilities on Larnaca’s seafront, the Mayor stated that “the demolition of the Intergaz company’s facilities remains, and the environmental study is expected by the end of the year or no later than January of the new year.”
“Also, within January, the announcement of a study by the Department of Maritime Works for the reclamation of 60 meters from the beach is expected,” he said, emphasizing that “the Municipality’s goal is to have a public beach wherever possible, not just a pier.”
Regarding the issue of the city’s port-marina, Mr. Vyras noted that “the information we have from the main stakeholders of the Around Town project is that the ambitious project is expected to start in May of the new year, according to the plans and final approvals received from the state.”
Answering a question about projects in the maturation process, the Mayor replied that among them are “the Salina and Pattichio Parks, the restoration of the Larnaca Police Director’s building, the restoration of the former Rex cinema, the redevelopment of Vasilis Pavlou Square, the third phase of road redevelopment in the city center with infrastructure for people with disabilities, the highlighting of archaeological sites, and the construction of social housing complexes.”
“These projects,” he continued, “are expected to start within the next few months, and it is estimated that within two years, citizens will have several new constructions at their disposal. Among these planned projects is the new Municipal Palace, the works of which are expected to start within the new year, which will be housed in the old Larnaca hospital, awaiting the relocation of the OKYPY services to the new city hospital.”
Responding to a question, Mr. Vyras said that “this specific plan was drafted based on proposals submitted to the Municipal Council by municipal groups and also includes the creation of a sports park on the model of the one being built in Chakkleiro, new museums, new squares, such as the Post Office Square, the connection of neighborhood parks with pedestrian and bicycle paths, the creation of a Folklore Museum in the area of Agios Ioannis, while an architectural competition is expected to be announced for the complete redevelopment of the Phinikoudes beach.”
He also added that “there is an intention to conduct a comprehensive study for the restoration of listed buildings with the provision of incentives and the restoration of listed buildings in the center of Larnaca.”
Moreover, he said, “the plans include the creation of a Technological Park and a municipal photovoltaic park in the form of a joint project for the new Municipality, which will be formed after the merger with the Municipality of Livadia and the Community of Oroklini.”
According to the Mayor of Larnaca, “the Municipal Council also approved a proposal for the construction of a new Sea and Culture Museum in the Pampoula area, the creation of a new Metropolitan Park in the area of the refineries, and the overall redevelopment of Mackenzie Beach. The Park will include green spaces, sports areas, bike paths, artist paths, outdoor art exhibitions, a small outdoor amphitheater, and an event square.”
He also foresaw “the expansion of the existing Acropolis and Alkis squares project with paved areas and sidewalks specially accessible to people with disabilities up to the roundabout of Chrysopolitissa around the ancient Kition, the ancient port, and up to the area where the ‘Labors of Hercules’ mosaic was discovered a few years ago.”
