Larnaca's commercial centre is gradually taking on a new look as the second phase of road regeneration works aimed at improving accessibility for people with disabilities enters its final stage.
The city's urban core now bears little resemblance to previous years, with several key projects nearing completion.
Konstantinou Kalogera Street has already reopened to traffic, while work continues on a new fountain at the junction of Ermou and Konstantinou Kalogera streets.
Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras told Politis that the process of handing over the newly upgraded Akropolis and Alki squares from the contractor to the municipality will begin on 27 July.
Works are also progressing on Zenonos Kitieos Street, which is expected to reopen to traffic up to the Atrium Zenon Hotel by mid-August.
Around the same period, Evanthias Pieridou Street, which links Zenonos Kitieos to the Finikoudes seafront, is also expected to reopen following its renovation.
Meanwhile, works on Philiou Zannetou Street are scheduled for completion by the end of August.
Final phase to begin in September
Vyras said the final section of the second regeneration phase will begin in September and will cover the remaining stretch of Zenonos Kitieos Street between the Atrium Zenon Hotel and the Pierides Museum.
The municipality expects that section to be completed before the end of the year.
Shade structures will also be installed along parts of Ermou and Zenonos Kitieos streets, following requests from local businesses.
New businesses moving in
The mayor said the project is intended not only to improve the appearance of the commercial centre but also to revive an area that has experienced a decline in commercial activity in recent years.
According to Vyras, between six and seven new shops have recently opened in the city centre, while there is growing interest from businesses considering relocating their offices to the area.
He added that 12 to 13 boutique hotels have already received licences and are expected to begin operating in the near future, further reshaping the character of the district.
