The conversion of Larnaca's historic hospital building into a city hall will begin in September 2024.
This was announced by Mayor Andreas Vyras on Friday, December 22.
In particular, he expressed hope that before then, the State Health Organization (OKYpY) will move to the new wing of the Larnaca General Hospital. At the same time, the Mayor mentioned that a contract has recently been signed with a contractor who has been commissioned to fit out the premises for OKYpY staff. The work started on December 8. The project is expected to be delivered at the end of summer 2024. This means that in September they will be able to vacate the historic building, and the municipal authorities will be able to start renovation.
Recall that the first structures of the old hospital building were erected in 1900.
In 1933-1934, thanks to the donations of Evanthia Pieridou, two new wings appeared on the territory of the medical institution at once. The great philanthropist, who died in 1934, donated a huge amount of money, as well as her entire estate, to Larnaca. She bequeathed the famous seaside mansion to the city on the condition that the proceeds from its rental would be used for the needs of the 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 relocating the few medical services that were located on the first floor of the hospital. In addition, according to the will, the building was to be used only as a hospital. In the end, it was still possible to resolve this issue. And the heirs of the Pieridis family did not mind if there will be a city hall.
In April 2022, the Municipality of Larnaca signed a contract for the lease of the historic building of the old hospital with the Ministry of Interior. According to the contract, the city municipality was granted two plots of land as well as the historic building.
According to preliminary estimates, the modernization of the old hospital will cost the Larnaca Municipality approximately €7 million. The renovation works will last approximately two years.