Despite previous setbacks, Larnaca Municipality has not given up hope of moving into a new building.
On Wednesday 24 July, the municipality announced a second tender for the modernisation of the old hospital, where its staff will move to after the renovation.
It is worth noting that this time it was decided to increase the budget of the project to 7 million 400 thousand euros. Interested parties can apply to participate in the tender until 1 November 2024. The municipality will then select the winner and sign a contract with him. If there are no force majeure situations, the repair work will begin in early 2025. The previous tender was unsuccessful because the Mayor's Office did not receive any offers from contractors.
It should be remembered that the first buildings of the old hospital were erected in 1900.
In 1933-1934, thanks to the donations of Evantia Pieridou, two new wings were added to the medical centre. The great philanthropist, who died in 1934, donated a huge amount of money and her entire estate to Larnaca. She bequeathed her famous seaside villa to the city on the condition that the proceeds from its rental be used for the needs of Larnaca Hospital.
Over the years, various mayors of Larnaca have tried to negotiate with the state to give the old hospital building to the town hall. However, no one wanted to bear the cost of moving the few medical services that were located on the ground floor of the hospital. In addition, the will stipulated that the building should only be used as a hospital. In the end, this issue was resolved. The heirs of the Pieridis family did not mind having the Town Hall there.
In April 2022, Larnaca Municipality signed a contract with the Ministry of Interior for the lease of the historic building of the old hospital. According to the contract, the municipality was granted the use of two plots of land as well as the historic building. For a long time, the hospital housed employees of the State Health Organisation (OKYpY).
They finally left in the spring of 2023.
It should be noted that the restoration of the old Larnaca hospital will be carried out according to a project designed by the architectural firm Dimitris Michael & Associates. According to the release, the plan envisages a major overhaul of the building, with the restoration of the external masonry, frames, and ceilings to their original authentic appearance, as well as the renovation of all the interior spaces. In addition, a modern car park will be created and the open space around the site will be completely renovated. In particular, the area will be landscaped, modern lighting will be installed, and recreational areas and a fountain will be created.
