On Monday 9 September, the construction of a modern building to house a new ecological centre began in the Cypriot capital. The works will be carried out by the company Α.Κ.Ι. CONSTRUCTIONS LTD, which won the tender.
This was announced by the representative of the Municipality of Lakatamia, on whose territory the project will be carried out.
The plant is expected to be operational within 20 months. The cost of the construction is estimated at 2,349,404 euros plus VAT. The new centre is expected to make a significant contribution to the modernisation of a large area in Nicosia, while promoting the principles of sustainable development, protection, conservation and management of the region's natural wealth.
According to the plan, the building will be equipped with lecture and presentation halls, two exhibition halls, offices, cubicles, offices and a cafeteria. Outside there will be a botanical garden with endemic trees and shrubs, a large car park, recreational areas, modern street lighting and benches.
It is worth noting that the new ecological centre is part of a major €30 million urban linear park project along the bed of the Pedieos River.
An intelligent monitoring system, a fibre optic network, a lighting system using renewable energy sources (RES), new cycle and pedestrian paths, a crisis management centre, 14 new bridges, fire and flood sensors, recreational areas and information boards, a children's playground - all this and more will be implemented as part of the integrated spatial development strategy for the municipalities of Nicosia, Strovolos, Lakatamia, Engomi, Agios Dometios and Aglantzia.
The aim of the project is to make the area along the capital's main river suitable for recreation for the residents of Nicosia, to preserve biodiversity, to create a safe space in the park and to combat seasonal flooding.
The Pedieos is the longest river in Cyprus (98 kilometres). It rises near the Monastery of Maheras and flows into the Gulf of Famagusta. During the rainy season its maximum depth reaches 10 metres.