The Municipality of Larnaca is pressing ahead with an infrastructure programme valued at approximately €100 million, with 30 projects either completed, under construction or in the planning phase, according to Mayor Andreas Vyras.
Presenting the municipal council's record during the inauguration of the renovated Patticheio Municipal Park on Wednesday evening, Vyras said the projects span all municipal districts and are intended to transform the city's public spaces, transport infrastructure, environmental assets and cultural facilities.
Major projects already delivered
Among the flagship projects already completed are:
- Patticheio Municipal Park (€6.7 million), now regarded as the largest green space in Larnaca.
- The restoration of the former Police Director's Residence (€1.35 million).
- The new Municipal Elderly Care Home (€4.5 million), described as one of the most modern facilities of its kind in Cyprus.
- The Tsiakkilero Multifunctional Park (€2.3 million), the largest park within a refugee housing estate in Cyprus.
- Salina Park (€3.2 million).
- The redevelopment of Akropolis-Alki squares (€4 million).
The projects were funded through the THALEIA 2021-2027 programme and the Recovery and Resilience Fund.
Additional smaller-scale works have included a flood-control channel and 12 parks in Livadia, as well as new parks in Oroklini.
Projects currently under construction
Vyras also highlighted several major developments now in progress.
Work is continuing on the redevelopment of Larnaca's commercial centre to improve accessibility for people with disabilities. Construction on the final section of Zenonos Kitieos Street is expected to be completed by January 2027.
The mayor said the project has already transformed the appearance of the city centre and helped create new opportunities for investment, including the development of small hotels.
Other ongoing projects expected to be completed in 2028 include:
- The conversion of the former Larnaca General Hospital into a new municipal hall.
- The regeneration of the Agios Ioannis neighbourhood.
- Construction of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT/TEPAK) school in the Mackenzie area.
- Road network upgrades under the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, with a budget of €20 million.
Redevelopment works are also underway along Makarios Avenue in Livadia, while Oroklini is implementing its first EU-funded project aimed at restoring and revitalising the village's historic neighbourhood.
Looking ahead to 2030
Among the most significant projects still in the design and planning stage are:
- A Salt Lake Environmental Information Centre, to be built on the site of the former leprosy hospital.
- An Arts and Culture Centre on the grounds of the former oil refinery.
The environmental centre is expected to begin construction in late 2027 and be completed in 2029.
The Arts and Culture Centre is intended to serve as a flagship venue for events linked to Larnaca 2030, the city's bid to host the European Capital of Culture programme. Construction is scheduled to begin in early 2028, with completion targeted for 2030.
Investment in quality of life
Speaking at the opening of the renovated Patticheio Park, Agriculture Minister Christos Senekis described the project as more than a simple infrastructure upgrade.
He said the redevelopment represents an investment in residents' quality of life, pointing to the park's new viewing areas and elevated circular pedestrian bridge overlooking the Salt Lake.
According to the minister, the improvements create a more welcoming and functional environment for families, children and visitors while offering a new perspective on one of Larnaca's most important natural landmarks.
