A modern building is set to dominate the area around the Larnaca Salt Lake in the coming years, as plans progress for the construction of the Larnaca Salt Lakes Environmental Information Centre. The municipality yesterday released the winning architectural proposal, revealing how the new centre will look. The project will be built on state‑owned land in the area of the former leper hospital, and design work is expected to begin soon.
The municipality had announced the results of the architectural competition in January and is now preparing to sign a contract with the winning architectural team to begin drafting the full plans. The award ceremony for the competition will take place in mid‑April.
Winning team selected from 22 proposals
A special evaluation committee assessed 22 submissions before awarding first prize – and the architectural design contract – to a five‑member team consisting of Haris Aristodimou, Konstantinos Kelpis, Marios Kyriakou, Louis Loizou and Yiotis Tsangaris. The municipality will also award second and third prizes and two commendations.
Once the contract is signed, the architects will start work on the detailed design of the long‑anticipated project. However, due to the lengthy procedures that still lie ahead, the centre will not be ready in 2027 as previously suggested by the municipality.
When completed, the centre aims to highlight the importance and ecological value of Larnaca’s well‑known wetland. According to the specifications provided to competitors, the project will be built on two adjacent state‑owned parcels with a combined area of 41,227 square metres. The master plan includes the main building, landscaped outdoor areas and parking facilities.
Building and facilities
The design also calls for footpaths, viewing spots, benches, information signage, appropriate lighting and landscape restoration for recreation and environmental education.
The main building of the Environmental Information Centre will include:
- A shop and ticket office
- Offices for the Department of the Environment
- Screening and lecture rooms
- Environmental education rooms
- Exhibition halls
- A laboratory
- A library
- A cafeteria with outdoor seating
- Storage spaces and support facilities
Outdoor areas will include an educational and recreational zone, a birdwatching area and the Salt Lake Park, which will be designated as one of the main access points to the Salt Lake nature trail.