Larnaca Municipality has unveiled a project to improve the historic neighbourhood of Agios Ioannis, which has long been overshadowed by the municipality.
It will now undergo a major redevelopment to preserve its heritage and improve the urban environment.
According to the mayor's office, the tender will be announced at the end of March, after which the contractor will be able to start work.
The project is expected to include:
- Overhaul of the road surface
- Widening and modernisation of pavements
- Installation of energy-efficient street lighting
- Improvement of wastewater disposal system
- Reorganisation of road traffic
Special attention will be paid to the creation of a pedestrian zone that will unite the area between St John's Church, the Church of the Saviour and the Tuzla Mosque. For motorists, the construction of a convenient car park is planned.
The cost of upgrading the Agios Ioannis area is estimated at over €7 million. Larnaca Municipality expects that after the improvements, the area will become attractive not only to residents but also to tourists, which will encourage the opening of new cafes, shops and restaurants.
It should be remembered that the area bounded by Jamit Bey, Sidika Khanum, Yavuz, Ali Dede, Archbishop Cyril II, Petraki Kyprianou, Vasili Mihailidi and Athanasiou Karidi streets is known for its traditional one-storey buildings. Within its boundaries are important historical monuments such as the Church of St John the Evangelist (17th century), the Church of the Saviour (18th century) and the Tuzla Mosque, one of the oldest religious landmarks in Larnaca, originally built as a Byzantine basilica.
In recent years, however, the area has lost much of its former charm: the roads are in need of repair, there is a lack of comfortable pedestrian infrastructure and the streets are difficult to navigate for people with disabilities.
