The creation of the new School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) in Larnaca is being formalised with the signing of the agreement for the construction of its building. The agreement between the Municipality of Larnaca and CUT will be signed this Friday, 3 April, at 10am. at the Creative Activity Centre (the former residence of the Chief of Police) in Larnaca.
The path toward establishing the public university school in Larnaca opened decisively last December with the announcement that the required funding had been officially secured – essentially the final major obstacle before the project could proceed. The financing amounts to approximately €16 million and will come from a loan obtained by the Republic of Cyprus from the European Investment Bank. This is considered a development of great significance, effectively “anchoring” the presence and operation of the new school in Larnaca.
The loan is expected to cover the full capital cost for constructing the building and purchasing the necessary equipment. The Municipality of Larnaca estimates that the tender for construction work on the building will be announced by the end of April, with construction expected to be completed within two years from the start date.
According to current estimates, the School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development is expected to attract around 400 students once its programmes are fully developed.
The new faculty will comprise two departments: the Department of Marine Sciences, focusing on marine biology, marine ecosystems and aquaculture; and the Department of Sustainable Development, offering a corresponding programme centred on environmental issues and addressing, in a holistic way, the question of “how we build and improve our cities.”