One of Larnaca’s most anticipated projects is finally moving into the implementation stage. After several years of preparation and discussion, the city authorities are beginning the practical phase of redeveloping the site of the old hospital.
On Tuesday, 21 July, at 19:30, a formal ceremony for the signing of the construction contract will be held in the courtyard of the former hospital. The event will mark the official launch of one of the city’s largest infrastructure projects in recent decades.
Project details
The site of the old hospital remained largely unused for many years despite its historical importance to Larnaca. The authorities now intend to breathe new life into the area. The project provides for the reconstruction of the complex while preserving its historical value and creating a modern administrative centre for the city.
For the first time, all of Larnaca’s municipal services will be brought together in one building. This will allow residents to access most administrative services in one place and make the work of municipal departments more efficient.
All buildings within the old hospital complex will be restored. Later extensions located to the north of the historic building will be demolished. New structures will be built in their place using materials that blend harmoniously with the architecture of the protected buildings. The outdoor area will feature a square with a garden, landscaped green spaces, water features and modern urban furniture.
The project will create a modern municipal building designed to meet the needs of rapidly developing Larnaca. The new administrative complex will serve not only as a workplace for the municipality but also as part of the wider regeneration of the historic district. The authorities expect the redevelopment to attract new investment, increase the appeal of the city centre and encourage further development of the surrounding area.
The project is considered one of the key elements of the city’s infrastructure modernisation programme, which is being implemented alongside other major initiatives, including the redevelopment of the coastal area, the construction of the Land of Tomorrow project, upgrades to the road network and the renewal of public spaces.
History of the building
The first buildings of the old hospital complex were constructed in 1900. In 1933–1934, two new wings were added thanks to donations from Evantia Pieridou. The prominent benefactor, who died in 1934, donated a considerable amount of money, as well as her entire estate, to Larnaca. She bequeathed the city a famous mansion located on the seafront on the condition that the income from its rental would be used to support Larnaca Hospital.
Over the years, several mayors of Larnaca attempted to reach an agreement with the government to convert the old hospital into the city hall. However, no one was willing to cover the cost of relocating the small number of medical services operating on the hospital’s ground floor. In addition, under the terms of the will, the building was to be used exclusively as a hospital. Eventually, a solution was found, and the heirs of the Pieridis family also agreed to the building being used as the town hall.
In April 2022, Larnaca Municipality signed a lease agreement for the historic old hospital building with the Ministry of the Interior. Under the agreement, the municipality was granted the use of two plots of land as well as the historic building. For many years, the premises housed employees of the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY). They finally vacated the building in spring 2023.
Why the project is important for Larnaca
Larnaca Municipality describes the redevelopment of the old hospital as one of the most significant projects of recent decades. In addition to creating a modern administrative centre, the project will preserve the city’s historical heritage, give a new life to one of Larnaca’s landmark buildings and improve the quality of municipal services.
In recent years, Larnaca has been undergoing a period of rapid transformation. The city is attracting increasing investment in real estate, tourism and infrastructure, and the launch of the old hospital project will mark another important step in the renewal of the urban environment.