Plans have been announced for a transformative project in the heart of Larnaca, as an architectural competition has been officially launched.
This initiative is poised to overhaul the commercial streets, linking them with forthcoming projects in Alkis and Acropolis squares.
As disclosed by the Municipality of Larnaca, the construction agenda encompasses an extensive array of improvements.
These include the enhancement and reconstruction of existing roads through the removal of asphalt layers and the introduction of cobblestones. Sidewalks will undergo widening, parking spaces (excluding designated supply vehicle areas) will be removed, and there will be upgrades to the stormwater system, utilities, and public service networks.
The project will also feature the undergrounding of services, installation of urban equipment, electronic user information points, improved lighting, road markings, and a reconfiguration of traffic flow.
According to the Municipality of Larnaca, the targeted road network is a pivotal link between previous redevelopment projects initiated by the municipality in recent years through urban and co-financed ventures.
Specifically, the project aims to refine the existing road network and integrate co-financed initiatives from the 2007-13 and 2014-20 periods. These include the Three Squares Redevelopment, Roads and Accessibility for People with Disabilities – Phase A, the new Municipal Market, the Zohouri Square redevelopment, and the Multipurpose Centre.
The primary objective is to shift the urban centre from a vehicle-centric focus to one that champions alternative modes of transportation, catering to pedestrians, cyclists, and individuals with disabilities.
This transformation aims to make the area fully accessible while contributing to the aesthetic and functional elevation of the region, recognised as the core of the Municipality and a key reference point. Additionally, the project is expected to enhance traffic safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities.
In addition to road reconstruction, the project includes the undergrounding of public utility services, the installation of LED road lighting, and the implementation of appropriate signalling.
The broader vision is to create conditions conducive to sustainable mobility, facilitate individuals with disabilities, augment green spaces, and positively influence the microclimate through strategic landscaping and shading of road surfaces.
The comprehensive plan also addresses environmental concerns, with an expected reduction in noise pollution and emissions of pollutants and dust. The Municipality of Larnaca aims to commence construction in the initial months of 2024, with a projected completion timeline of 24 months. The ambitious project, costing €5,180,000 + VAT, falls under the Thales Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027 and receives co-financing from the European Union.
