The contract for the construction of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development in Larnaca has been awarded to Cyfield Group, marking a major milestone for the city's first public university school.
According to Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras, the laying of the foundation stone is tentatively scheduled for 30 October, with President Nikos Christodoulides expected to officiate, provided no legal challenges arise during the remaining tender procedures.
The establishment of a university school in Larnaca was one of Christodoulides' pre-election commitments and is widely viewed as a landmark development for the city.
Two Departments Initially
The school is expected to begin operations with two departments:
- Marine Biology and Technology
- Sustainable Development
Master's and doctoral programmes are planned for a later stage.
CUT aims to gradually attract between 450 and 500 students.
The construction contract has a duration of 18 months, with the long-term goal of welcoming the first students to the new campus in September 2028.
University officials are also examining the possibility of launching teaching activities as early as autumn 2027 from temporary premises.
€12 Million Project
The new school will be built in the Mackenzie area, opposite the existing municipal car park serving the seafront leisure district.
The project is expected to cost close to €12 million and will comprise approximately 5,000 square metres of facilities.
The campus will include:
- Lecture theatres
- Classrooms
- Specialised laboratories
- Academic and administrative offices
- Student recreational areas
- Advanced IT infrastructure
- Facilities supporting distance learning
The building will be designed according to sustainability principles, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and minimising environmental impact.
Student Accommodation Planned
Plans are also progressing for the development of student housing to serve the new school.
The Nicos and Despina Pattichis Foundation intends to construct Larnaca's first purpose-built student residences on foundation-owned land on Pavlou Valdaseridi Street.
The site is located near the city centre and is approximately 15 minutes from the future university campus by car or bus.
