The Nicos and Despina Pattichis Foundation will develop student housing in Larnaca to support the planned Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK) school at Mackenzie Beach and potential satellite campuses of Greek universities, Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras told philenews.
“The foundation has already decided to begin a study. Their intention is to utilise their property for creating student residences, which will support the city’s efforts to attract university schools,” Vyras said.
The foundation, which owns property worth millions of euros in Larnaca, may build the student accommodation on one of its centrally-located plots, according to the mayor.
Although still in the early planning stages, the residences would house students who would be transported by bus to their respective campuses.
The development comes as Larnaca prepares for the establishment of TEPAK’s School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development, which will be constructed behind the main parking area at Mackenzie Beach and is scheduled to welcome its first students in autumn 2027.
Additionally, the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, which has already submitted a preliminary application to operate a branch in Cyprus based in Nicosia, recently approached Larnaca about housing two of its schools in the city.
The Larnaca Municipality is also in contact with other Greek universities and has offered the former Oroklini Community Council building and the Multipurpose Social Welfare and Employment Centre as potential locations.
However, current legislation does not permit the allocation of state land for educational purposes, prompting Larnaca and Athienou municipalities to initiate efforts to amend the relevant law without delay.
