On Monday 4th November, Larnaca Municipality announced the extension of the tender deadline for the modernisation of the old hospital, where the staff will move to after the renovation.
At the request of interested contractors, the closing date for the tender has been postponed by two weeks. The deadline for submitting bids is now 15 November. After this date, the municipality will select the winner and sign a contract with him. Barring any force majeure, the repair work will start at the beginning of 2025. The previous tender was unsuccessful because the mayor's office did not receive any bids from contractors due to the project's small budget. This time it was decided to increase the amount to 7 million 400 thousand euros.
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. Yes, and the heirs of the Pieridis family agreed to have 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 press 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 interior spaces. In addition, a modern car park will be created and the open space around the building will be completely reconstructed. In particular, the area will be landscaped, modern lighting will be installed, and recreational areas and a fountain will be created.