Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras personally inspected the progress of works as part of the urban redevelopment project on part of Makariou Avenue, which runs through the Livadia area. He was joined at the site by Livadia Deputy Mayor Marios Armenis. The contractor, S. Hadjichristofi Construction Ltd, and the project team from George Karas & Associates Architects Civil Engineers LLC briefed the mayor in detail on the current state of progress and adherence to the schedule.
What Has Already Been Done: Key Stage Completed
Construction work is currently actively underway along Makariou Avenue and Agia Paraskevi Street. The most important stage on this section has already been completed: the new stormwater drainage system on Agia Paraskevi Street has been fully installed. This solution is expected to address the long-standing flooding problem, which became particularly acute during the rainy season.
The total project budget is impressive — around €3.6 million. The aim of the redevelopment is to comprehensively improve the area in three key areas: functionality, aesthetics, and environmental quality. The project forms part of Larnaca’s large-scale investment program, under which six major projects with a total value of around €50 million are set to begin in 2026.
Planned Works: What Will Change for Residents
As part of the redevelopment, the contractor will remove the old asphalt and tile paving. Earthworks will then begin to create new parking bays. In addition to the already completed stormwater drainage system, new electricity and telecommunications networks will be laid. The final stage will include laying a new road surface and completely reconstructing the sidewalks with paving stones, giving the streets a neat and modern appearance.
Special attention is being paid to greenery and landscape design. New trees and shrubs are planned to be planted, which will not only beautify the area but also provide natural shade. Architectural elements include the construction of bus stop shelters, flower beds, and the installation of a fountain, which will become the visual centerpiece of the renewed space. Signage will also be installed, road markings applied, and modern urban furniture added, including benches, bins, and lighting.
Context of Major Changes: Plans for 2026
It is worth noting that the redevelopment of Makariou Avenue is only part of the large-scale transformation of Livadia and neighboring areas. According to Vyras, six major projects will begin in Livadia and Oroklini in 2026. These include the upgrade of Oroklini’s historic road network for €2.4 million and the restoration of the Agios Ioannis Church with the creation of a new central square for €2.3 million. All these works are aimed at improving quality of life and increasing the attractiveness of Larnaca’s suburbs, which are experiencing a construction boom following the relocation of fuel storage facilities from the coast.