On Tuesday, August 12, 2026, the demolition of one of the first buildings in Larnaca's port district began. The structure, located on Spyrou Kyprianou Avenue opposite the port, was classified as extremely dangerous due to the risk of collapse. The work is expected to be completed within 24 hours.
The building's history is closely linked to the development of Larnaca's port area. It originally housed the Karpasitis family's furniture factory before later becoming part of the city's nightlife scene. In recent years, however, the property had become associated with abandonment and safety concerns.
From a Furniture Factory to Nightclubs
The Karpasitis family purchased the site in 1950. The current owner's grandfather believed that a port would eventually be built nearby, significantly increasing the value of the land. His prediction proved to be remarkably accurate. In 1963–1964, his heirs constructed the building and relocated the family's furniture manufacturing business there. Around 1970, the factory was moved to Larnaca's industrial zone.
During the 1970s, members of the family also lived in the building. According to the owners, there was very little development in the surrounding area at the time. Following the events of 1974, the Port of Larnaca became even more important, and the surrounding neighborhood gradually began to change. The first bouzoukia, featuring live music performances, appeared there, followed later by cabarets and nightclubs.
Why the Building Was Declared Dangerous
The Larnaca District Local Government Organization (EOA) classified the building as extremely dangerous because of the threat of collapse. The D’LUX nightclub, which operated on the ground floor, was sealed after authorities determined that it had been operating without the necessary license. According to one of the owners, Andreas Karpasitis, the family had been trying to regain control of the property since 2001. He claims that the cabaret operators had not paid rent since 2000 and that the last tenant left the building only recently.
After the final cabaret closed around six years ago, D’LUX and AfroClub continued to operate on the premises. The owners claim that both establishments were operating without licenses. The decision to demolish the building was also accelerated following the tragedy in Germasogeia. In April 2026, the partial collapse of a three-story residential building resulted in two deaths and left four people hospitalized. In the aftermath, authorities intensified efforts to address dangerous structures, and the Karpasitis family received permission to proceed with the demolition. Since April 1, 2025, responsibility for hazardous buildings has been transferred to the EOA. The Larnaca EOA alone has registered 563 cases involving potentially dangerous structures.
A New Future Is Planned for the Site Opposite the Port
Following the demolition, the site, together with a second abandoned building, will remain in the ownership of the Karpasitis family. The owners intend to sell the land to an investor who will be able to develop a new project next to the Port of Larnaca.
For the city, this is a particularly attractive location. The site is situated directly opposite the port in an area that continues to undergo urban regeneration and real estate development. As a result, the demolition represents not only a matter of public safety but also the beginning of a new chapter for one of the key plots in Larnaca's port district. The building, which stood on the site for more than 60 years, will disappear, potentially making way for a modern commercial, tourism, or residential development.