The Municipality of Larnaca has announced a tender for the construction of the building for the School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT). The competition is being conducted in accordance with public procurement legislation, and the full set of tender documents has already been published on the official eProcurement Cyprus platform. It is particularly important to note that the project will be fully financed through a targeted loan that CUT received from the European Investment Bank, ensuring the reliability and timely availability of funds for construction.
Timeline and Construction Cost
According to the published information, the final deadline for submitting applications from potential contractors is set for June 4, 2026, while questions and proposals from participants are accepted until May 21. Under an optimistic scenario, the contract with the winning bidder is expected to be signed on September 14, 2026. The construction itself is estimated by specialists to take 22 months. The total cost of the works is estimated at just under €20 million excluding VAT. It is planned that by autumn 2028, the campus will open its doors to students for the first time, marking a new milestone for the entire region.
Architecture and Interior Space
According to the architects’ vision, the building will be a two-storey complex that will blend organically into the surrounding landscape of the Mackenzie area. The total area of covered and sheltered spaces will reach nearly 5,000 m². Inside, there will be spacious lecture halls and classrooms equipped with modern multimedia technology. The project also includes an auditorium for lectures and conferences, administrative offices for faculty and staff, as well as meeting rooms for the academic council. Special attention is given to the laboratory wing, where students will be able to conduct practical research. In addition to technical facilities, the architects have placed great emphasis on landscaping the surrounding area, creating a comfortable environment for walks and relaxation between classes.
Academic Value and Future Plans
CUT Rector Professor Panayiotis Zaphiris, commenting on the launch of the tender, described the day as a landmark for public education in the country. According to him, the new school will combine two academic divisions: the Faculty of Marine Sciences and Technology and the Faculty of Sustainable Development. The campus is expected to attract around 500 students, providing a strong boost to the economic development of Larnaca.
Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras, in turn, emphasized that the creation of this school is part of a long-term strategy to transform Larnaca into a modern student city of international standing. It is also worth noting that parallel negotiations are underway for the construction of the first student dormitories with the support of the Nikos and Despina Pattichi Foundation, which will make studying at the new campus even more accessible for talented young people from across the island.