Numerous protests by activists have not been in vain. The project to build the new Pattihio Park in Larnaca has been significantly altered.
This was announced recently by mayor Andreas Vyras.
According to him, the municipality has had to revise the original plan, removing part of the planned buildings. In particular, the new version does not include
skate park and sports grounds. In addition, it was decided to reduce the number of parking spaces for visitors to the public space: the car park next to Artemis Avenue will be reduced, while the one along Epirus Street will remain in its original form. In order not to damage the crowns of the trees in the park, the footbridge will be raised from 4.5 metres to 7.6 metres. At the same time, its lighting will be minimised.
No glass or other transparent materials will be used during construction. The lighting will be switched off at 18:00 in winter (October to April) and at 20:00 in summer (May to September). The cafeteria will seat a maximum of 64 people inside and 32 outside. Birds of prey will be placed on the transparent surfaces of the café to deter birds of prey that may not see the barriers. On the Aliki Lake side, a small wooden fence will be built in front of the café and cypresses and other trees will be planted along it.
One of the most significant changes to the project will be an increase in the amount of green space. 500 new trees and 4.5 thousand endemic shrubs will be planted in the park. Apart from the acacia trees, all the existing greenery on the site will be retained.
After the opening, visitors will only be able to move around the park on specially marked paths. Special signs will be placed throughout the park. Dog lovers will not be allowed to walk their pets unleashed in the park, and they will only be able to enter the park from Epirus and Copernicus streets.
Viras stressed that the Cyprus Environment Ministry has approved the new version of the project, giving the go-ahead for its implementation from January to June 2025. At the same time, the approval means that there will be no future upgrading or expansion of the park's infrastructure.
Construction and operation of the park can only continue if special mitigation measures are implemented. These will minimise the effects of light pollution and the potential negative impact on flora and fauna,' the department said.
It is worth noting that the Department of Environmental Protection will continue to monitor the construction and subsequent operation of the new park.
It should be remembered that work on the project started back in 2023. However, the municipality faced a negative reaction from the people of Larnaca.
They were joined by the ecological movement. At the request of the activists, all work was postponed. According to the outraged citizens, the construction of the park will have a negative impact on the environment and the birds that live on the land allocated for the construction.
It should be noted that the original project, developed by Chrysanthos Chrysanthou and Associates, was to modernise the area between the Pattihio Theatre in Larnaca and the Salt Lake. The new green zone was to cover an area of more than 380,000 m2. At the same time, 14.3 thousand m2 were planned for infrastructure. The park was to be the largest public recreational area and a continuation of the protected area of the Salt Lakes. Due to its size, social significance and the presence of a municipal theatre nearby, the park was to attract and serve the population of the entire region.
The project included the creation of modern park infrastructure: paths and trails, playgrounds, sports fields, outdoor fitness equipment, a skate park, recreational facilities, a botanical garden, a dog park and an amphitheatre.
The green space has been designed with six entrances, a large car park, a restaurant and a covered walkway around the perimeter. Modern street lighting, pavements and benches were to be installed in the park. The construction of the new park was entrusted to Miltiades Neophytou Civil Engineering Constructors & Developers Ltd, who won the tender.