Larnaca Municipality came up with the redevelopment plan for the Agios Ioannis neighborhood.
During the presentation, Mayor Andreas Vyras spoke about the upcoming changes, the timetable, and the main objective of the project.
Vyras noted that the Agios Ioannis area has historical and archaeological significance for Larnaca. However, despite its great importance, the area shows signs of neglect and its roads do not meet basic public safety regulations. Therefore, the municipality recognized the need to renovate the area both aesthetically and functionally.
Specifically, the redevelopment project addresses improving existing roads, widening sidewalks, upgrading the storm drainage system, utility infrastructure and networks, burial of utilities, installation of city equipment, upgrading lighting, as well as traffic control and the creation of an inner ring with one-way vehicle traffic. Finally, the neighborhood will be landscaped. All of this is expected to combine to change the face of the neighborhood and improve the quality of life for residents.
Once the project is completed, the space will be utilized in new ways, with new stores, recreational areas, and restaurants, creating new jobs and increasing foot traffic throughout the day. However, the traditional character of the region will not change. On the contrary, it will be modernized to form a characteristic core of the city, which is not present today, despite being an object of religious and tourist interest.
It should be noted that the project for the renovation of the Agios Ioannis neighborhood was developed by Politya Armos. According to Vyras, at the end of 2024 will be announced a tender for the project, and the duration of construction work from the date of their beginning will be 24 months. The budget of the project will be about 7 million euros + VAT. The money will be provided by the Larnaca Municipality and the Department of Urban Planning and Housing.