The Municipality of Larnaca has made clear it will not accept any deviation from the timelines contained in the development roadmap for the city's port and marina following the appointment of Evi Tsolaki as the new Minister of Transport, Communications and Works.
Mayor Andreas Vyras said he has already congratulated Tsolaki on her appointment and intends to seek a meeting with her immediately after the holiday period to discuss the project and reaffirm Larnaca's position that all previously announced commitments must be fully implemented.
The development is considered one of the most important projects for the city's future, particularly in terms of upgrading its tourism product and revitalising the local economy.
"We expect full implementation of the roadmap presented by Mr Vafeades, without deviations or further delays. We are at the disposal of the new minister for consultation and cooperation, bearing in mind that Larnaca cannot afford any more delays in the port and marina project," Vyras said.
The mayor added that he intends to contact the minister within the next two weeks and expects the meeting to take place in early September.
"The issue is urgent for our municipality," he said.
The roadmap
The roadmap for the development and management of Larnaca port, marina and adjacent land areas by the Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA) was officially presented by former Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades on 2 July.
The plan envisages infrastructure projects valued at €415 million, although part of the investment would be implemented over a 20-year period, particularly with regard to any future strategic expansion of the port.
The first phase of development is scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2028.
This phase includes:
- Maintenance and upgrading of existing marina facilities.
- Relocation of the current boatyards from the marina to the northern section of the port.
- Procurement of new port equipment worth €8 million.
Land and marina developments
According to the roadmap presented to local authorities, three major sub-projects are planned:
- Upgrading of the port.
- Upgrading of marina infrastructure.
- Development of the land area between the marina and the port.
The land developments are estimated to cost approximately €190 million and will cover an area of around 85,000 square metres.
Planned projects include:
- Retail developments.
- Hotel facilities.
- A conference centre.
- Exhibition spaces.
- A new building for the Nautical Club.
The Nautical Club project is scheduled for implementation between 2029 and 2031.
Long-term plans
For the port itself, the CPA proposal includes the upgrading of existing infrastructure by 2029, followed by the construction of new administration and passenger buildings by 2036.
Additional projects are planned over a longer time horizon.
The roadmap extends from 2027 to 2045 and includes strategic expansion works for both the port and marina, together with a range of additional developments, most of which are scheduled for the 2027-2031 period.
