Larnaca municipality has managed to attract more than 30 million euros from European funds for the development of the city.
According to Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras, local officials have made a lot of efforts to secure funding for important infrastructure projects that will dramatically change the image of the coastal city.
We have proven that we can implement projects in accordance with the specifications of EU funds. In doing so, the municipality of Larnaca has been recognized as a model municipality in Cyprus for the extraction of specific funds," said Vyras.
The mayor noted that, initially, the budget for Larnaca, based on the initial allocation, corresponded to approximately €11 million, but due to the rapid development of new projects, the municipality managed to increase it to €30 million.
Asked about the demolition of gas facilities on Larnaca's waterfront, Vyras said that only Intergaz facilities remain to be removed. The company is due to submit an environmental study in January, after which it will proceed with their dismantling. Regarding the new Larnaca marina, Vyras said that according to Around Town, the main shareholder in the project, the large-scale project is scheduled to start in May, in accordance with the approved plan and permits issued.
According to the mayor, projects currently under development in Larnaca include: the Salina and Pattihio parks, the renovation of the Larnaca Police Department, the restoration of the former Rex cinema, the reconstruction of Vasileos Pavlou Square, the third phase of the reconstruction of streets in the city center, and the construction of social housing.
These projects are expected to start within the next few months and it is envisioned that within two years residents will have several new buildings at their disposal, including the new Municipal Building, work on which will begin in the new year.
Among the major projects that are being considered by the adequate services for approval are also: the creation of a sports park, the reconstruction of squares in the city center, the connection of neighborhood parks with pedestrian and bicycle paths, the opening of a folklore museum in the Ayios Ioannis area, as well as the reconstruction of the Finikoudes beach.
The municipality's plans for the coming year include the opening of technological and photovoltaic parks as part of a joint project to be formed after the merger of the municipalities of Livadia and Oroklini.
In addition, the Larnaca Municipal Council recently approved a proposal for the construction of a new Museum of Sea and Culture, as well as a new city park in the area of the oil refineries. The park will have green areas, sports fields, bicycle paths, space for outdoor art exhibitions, a small outdoor amphitheater and a venue for events.
Finally, Larnaca City Hall is seriously considering an expansion of the existing Acropolis and Alki Square projects, which includes paving and new sidewalks to make the squares more accessible to persons with disabilities.