Local stakeholders in Larnaca are adopting a cautious approach despite the Transport Ministry's announcement that a legal solution has been found to facilitate the transfer of the marina to the Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA).
Last Saturday (24 October), Transport Minister Evi Tsolaki issued a written statement announcing that a way had been found to overcome the legal obstacle that had emerged in relation to the transfer of the marina, enabling the Ports Authority to proceed with the planned development works.
According to the minister, the proposed solution was identified following consultations with the Legal Service and involves amending existing regulations so the state can enter into a long-term lease agreement with the Ports Authority without first launching a public tender.
Tsolaki stated that the arrangement safeguards legality while reducing the time required to implement the decision.
However, important questions remain unanswered for local authorities and organisations in Larnaca, including when the relevant regulations will be amended, when the marina will formally be transferred to the Ports Authority and whether the timelines contained in the Development Road Map will be respected.
What local stakeholders are demanding is swift implementation without further delays.
They are also seeking official clarification from the government on how the original legal obstacle was resolved, together with details of the proposed solution, in order to ensure that commitments and deadlines are honoured.
An extraordinary meeting of the Larnaca Development Committee is due to take place on Tuesday, 27 October, to examine the latest developments and decide on the next steps.
€16 million of projects planned for 2027-28
According to the Port, Marina and Waterfront Development and Management Road Map presented by the Cyprus Ports Authority last summer, the objective is to create a modern, efficient and specialised commercial and passenger port, an upgraded marina meeting international standards and modern best practices, and a unified waterfront featuring high-quality public spaces.
The project also aims to establish a dynamic business and tourism district incorporating complementary urban uses, including centres of excellence, educational facilities, cultural venues and activities linked to the blue economy.
Under the Road Map, projects scheduled for implementation in 2027-28 include:
- Maintenance of existing port infrastructure (€3 million).
- Purchase of new equipment for the port (€8 million).
- Beautification and upgrading of existing marina areas (€2 million).
- Relocation of the existing boatyards from the marina to the northern section of the port (€3 million).
In total, the Ports Authority is expected to spend around €16 million on these projects over the next two years alone.
Most of the larger projects announced, including road network improvements, new green areas and parking facilities, centres of excellence, office developments, restaurants, leisure spaces and public sports facilities, are planned for the 2028-2031 period.
Even larger developments are envisaged by 2036.
For the marina, these include hotel facilities, a conference centre and cultural projects. At the port, plans call for new passenger and administrative buildings.
