The authorities in Larnaca are launching one of the city's most significant cultural projects in recent years. The historic REX Cinema, located in the heart of the city centre, is set to undergo a complete restoration and be transformed into a modern Cinema Centre. The municipality has already announced a tender for the preparation of the design and the subsequent technical supervision of the construction works. The new cultural venue is intended to serve not only as a cinema but also as a space for film festivals, educational programmes, exhibitions, and international events. The project also aims to support the development of Cyprus' film industry and attract international film productions to Larnaca.
Project details
The Municipality of Larnaca has launched a competition to appoint consultants who will prepare the architectural and engineering designs and oversee the redevelopment until construction is fully completed. The contract is valued at €361,050, with applications open until 31 July. The agreement will run for 54 months, covering the design phase, construction tenders, supervision of the works, and final project delivery.
The REX Cinema is located in Vasileos Pavlou Square in Larnaca's historic centre and is regarded as one of the city's landmark buildings. For many years it played an important role in the local cultural scene before eventually falling out of use. The building stands on land owned by the Turkish Cypriot community and has been leased to the Municipality of Larnaca on a long-term basis through the Turkish Cypriot Property Management Service for redevelopment and public use. Preserving the building's historic appearance will be one of the key requirements of the project, while the facility will be fully upgraded to meet modern standards of safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility.
Once the redevelopment is complete, the former cinema will become a fully equipped Cinema Centre capable of hosting not only film screenings but also international film festivals, premieres, conferences, workshops, creative events, and cultural programmes. The main auditorium will accommodate approximately 200–250 spectators. A small stage will be installed in front of the screen, allowing the venue to host forums, presentations, concerts, and theatrical performances.
The project also includes classrooms and workshop facilities, administrative offices, digital archive workspaces, a spacious foyer with a bar, and an exhibition area designed to host art and photography exhibitions.
The building will undergo a complete modernization
During the redevelopment, specialists will carry out a comprehensive structural assessment, evaluate the building's seismic resistance, and strengthen the structure where necessary in accordance with modern Cypriot building regulations. The project includes the installation of new engineering systems, including modern lighting, ventilation, air conditioning, acoustics, and communications infrastructure. Particular emphasis will be placed on improving the building's energy efficiency. The installation of solar panels is also being considered as part of Cyprus' broader strategy to promote environmentally sustainable infrastructure. Another mandatory requirement will be full accessibility for people with disabilities, with all facilities designed to comply with modern European accessibility standards.
The creation of the Cinema Centre forms part of a wider programme to regenerate Larnaca's historic centre. In recent years, the city has invested heavily in the redevelopment of public spaces, improvements to the seafront, modernization of tourism infrastructure, and the restoration of historic buildings.
The authorities believe the new cultural venue will strengthen Larnaca's position as one of Cyprus' leading creative hubs. An additional benefit will be the further development of the island's film industry. Thanks to government incentive programmes for international film productions, Cyprus has attracted an increasing number of overseas projects in recent years, benefiting from its favourable climate, diverse filming locations, and attractive tax incentives.
Once opened, the Cinema Centre is expected to become a platform for collaboration between local directors, producers, educational institutions, and international film studios, while also attracting new tourists and cultural investment to Larnaca.