The latest delay in relocating the Ministry of Health’s services from the old hospital has raised serious concerns for the Larnaca municipality. According to the city authorities, the redevelopment of the historic building into the new municipal headquarters cannot begin until the Health Services are moved.
Mayor Andreas Vyras told Politis, Wednesday, that the latest official update he has, in writing from the Ministry of Health, is that the Health Services relocation will be possible by the end of next March. Previous assurances had indicated that the transfer would be completed by the end of 2025.
As a result, it is clear that the redevelopment project for the old hospital faces further delays. Although a decision has been made to relocate the Health Services to the existing SEK Larnaca building, the prolonged postponement raises doubts about whether the project to transform the old hospital into a new municipal headquarters will actually be feasible.
For the purposes of the project, the Health Services of OKYPY have already moved from the old hospital to the new wing of Larnaca General Hospital, albeit later than planned. The remaining obstacle is the relocation of the Health Services, which continues to cast uncertainty over the project.
Council divided
Inside the Larnaca municipal council, there are sharply divided opinions on whether it would benefit the city to convert the old hospital on Grigoris Afxentiou Avenue into a municipal building. Two council groups, DISY and ELAM, have expressed serious reservations. The council majority, however, supports the project, with Mayor Andreas Vyras stating that, despite many obstacles, the municipality is determined to complete the new headquarters in the building.
Mayor Vyras also confirmed that, due to the new delay in the Health Services relocation, an extension has been granted to the contractor awarded the project. Funding for the redevelopment is secured through a loan from the European Investment Bank.
A 1930s building
The redevelopment of the old hospital is expected to take around two years from the start date. The plans include full restoration of the protected building, originally constructed in the 1930s, including general maintenance, restoration of the original exterior, repairs to plasterwork, and refurbishment of doors, windows, and floors. Extensive interior and exterior alterations and additions are also planned.
Furthermore, the exterior areas, currently in poor condition, will be redesigned with landscaping, parking spaces, green areas, a revamped garden, water features, and a new perimeter fence.