On August 27, Larnaca Municipality signed a contract with the private architects who won the architectural competition for the design of the Aliki Environmental Information Centre.
The team of five specialists — Charis Aristodimou, Constantinos Kelpis, Marios Kyriakou, Louis Loizou and Yiotis Tsangaris — will develop the concept and prepare the necessary documentation.
One year has been allocated for the design work and for bringing the project to the stage of construction readiness. After that, Larnaca Municipality, as the contracting authority, will be able to announce a tender for the construction works. The main goal of the project is to highlight the natural and ecological value of Larnaca Salt Lake, which is considered one of the most important wetlands in Cyprus.
What will be built on the site of the former leper colony
The centre is planned to be located on two state-owned plots in the area of the former leper colony. Their total area is 41,227 m2. The future complex will include information and educational spaces. Plans provide for a shop and ticket office, offices for the Department of Environment, a screening and lecture hall, a room for environmental education and an exhibition hall.
The project also includes a laboratory, a library, a café with an outdoor area for visitors, a storage room for equipment and consumables, as well as the necessary auxiliary facilities. The site is therefore intended to become not just an information centre, but a fully developed venue for environmental education, research and introducing residents and tourists to the natural environment of Larnaca.
Park and birdwatching areas
The outdoor area will include spaces for educational and recreational activities, as well as a birdwatching zone. A separate part of the project will be a park designed to mark one of the main entrances to the route around the Salt Lake.
Once the design stage is completed, the next phase will be a tender for the construction works. The project is therefore gradually moving from the idea and architectural concept stage towards practical preparation for construction, which is expected to enhance the area’s tourism and environmental appeal.