Larnaca is entering a new era of urban development. On Tuesday, July 8, Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides officially opened the Salina Municipal Park and Creative Activities Center, which are located in the former residence of the chief of police.
During the opening ceremony, the president emphasized that both projects serve the interests of society and aim to improve the quality of the urban environment. He said these projects exemplify modern European policy focused on residents, public needs, and sustainable development. The president emphasized the importance of competently using European resources.
These projects prove that, with a responsible and forward-looking approach, European funding can bring tangible benefits to society, Christodoulidis noted.
Salina Park is the green heart of Larnaca
The creation of Salina Park was part of a large-scale project to reorganize the urban space. The president called it the “new green lungs” of Larnaca — a place for recreation, walks, and social gatherings. Designed with sustainable development and urban mobility in mind, the park is a modern, eco-friendly space.
The public space covers more than 14,000 square meters. Located in the Drosha district on the site of the former residence of the Larnaca police chief, it extends the existing municipal park of the coastal city. It features a pond with a fountain, an amphitheater, a walking path, and a playground. Two hundred trees have been planted. The park is designed to be a comfortable place for leisure, sports, and recreation for city residents. Additionally, the project incorporates accessible infrastructure for people with disabilities.
The Creative Activity Center is a place where history comes to life
The second project involved restoring the former residence of the police director. This building has a rich history and is significant to Larnaca's urban identity. The building has been given a new lease on life as the Creative Activity Center, a cultural space where exhibitions, workshops, and educational and community initiatives will be held.
The president emphasized that the restoration of this building gives it new meaning. It is now not just an architectural monument, but also a living social and cultural center accessible to everyone.
Funding and Future Development
Both projects were co-funded by the European Union under the THALYA 2021–2027 Cohesion Policy Program, with a total budget of €4.5 million. In conclusion, Christodoulides called on local authorities to actively prepare new infrastructure projects for inclusion in the next phases of EU programs and to obtain executive-level approval as soon as possible.
These initiatives are part of a strategic plan to transform Larnaca into a green, cultural, and comfortable city, the President of Cyprus concluded.
