Limassol Municipality has started to process bids for the tender for the reconstruction of Heroes' Square.
The results should be announced by the end of April.
The budget of the project is 3.4 million euros. Money for the realization of an important idea allocated by the European Regional Development Fund. The project for the reconstruction of the square, popular with the residents of Limassol, was developed by architectural bureaus AA&U and KIS Architecture. Their idea won second place in the competition in 2020 (the first place was not awarded to any of the participants).
According to the idea, the level of the roadway and the square will be leveled. Public spaces will be formed around four gazebos at the corners of the square. Trees and shrubs will be planted along the perimeter of the square. Lighting will be designed in the form of hinged lanterns, and all stationary lanterns will be moved to the western side of the square.
The central monument of the square will also be involved in the overall image. Once a month, the "Square of Everyday Heroes" campaign will be held here. The monument will be decorated with a removable fabric cover with an image in line with the theme. Thanks to the renovated sidewalks, the public will have direct access to the historic streets of Independence, Agios Andreas and Gladstonos, as well as the municipal library area.
The improvement work in the city center is expected to take 18 months to complete. According to local authorities, during the construction of the facility, all necessary measures will be taken so as not to interfere with the work of stores and centers located in the area.
Recall that Heroes Square is located in the center of Limassol and is a popular place of recreation for locals.
In the center of the square stands a monument to the Heroes who gave their lives for the freedom of Cyprus and Greece. Around the square, there are cafes, bars, taverns and clubs, as well as the buildings of the Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK) and one of the city's cultural centers - the Rialto Theatre. The square traditionally hosts carnival processions and the Limassol Rock Festival, as well as other city cultural events.
Until the early 20th century, the square was the site of a Turkish quarter called "Kesoglides" or "Kessugludkia" after the name of a local wealthy landowner, a Syrian Turk named Kioseoglu (Κιοσέογλου). Christian townspeople did not dare to come here under the fear of being stoned. In 1910, on the initiative of the mayor's office, several old buildings were demolished in the area and a square was built. The Monument to Heroes was erected in 1946. The last reconstruction of the square took place in 1999.
