On Tuesday 2 September, the Municipality of Larnaca announced the commencement of the third phase of renovations to the Acropolis and Alki areas and their surrounding streets. The project forms part of a programme aimed at improving infrastructure, conditions for pedestrians, businesses and transportation in the centre of Larnaca. Work has started on the north side of Grigoris Afxentiou Avenue, from the intersection with Agias Elenis Street to the intersection with Apostolou Pavlou Street. This phase is expected to take five months to complete.
Changes to traffic arrangements
During the construction period, traffic heading towards the city centre from the intersection at the American Academy to the Larnaca Police Headquarters will be diverted via Konstantinou Zachariadi, Kyriakou Matsi and Kimonos Streets and then back onto Grigoris Afxentiou Avenue. In the opposite direction, from the police station to the American Academy, traffic will continue as usual.
A separate section of Agia Elenis Street will be completely closed to traffic. The city authorities have assured us that they will ensure safe access for pedestrians to residential buildings and businesses in the reconstruction zone throughout the duration of the works.
The project is significant for the city
According to municipal representatives, the reconstruction is aimed at renovating central spaces aesthetically, improving road infrastructure, modernising engineering networks and creating a more comfortable urban environment. Upon completion of the third phase, Larnaca will boast a renovated pedestrian route through the historic city centre, new public spaces and convenient transport interchanges.
This project forms part of a long-term programme for the development of Larnaca, which also includes work on the Finikoudes promenade and improvements to the lighting and landscaping systems.
Who developed the project?
It should be noted that the project to modernise Larnaca's central squares was developed by the architectural firms AF Modinos and SA Vrahimis Architects and Engineers. They were tasked with providing an aesthetically pleasing, functional and high-quality renovation of the area, while ensuring the smooth and safe movement of pedestrians and vehicles. Essentially, the project is expected to complete the modernisation, improvement and regulation of traffic in accordance with the Sustainable Mobility Plan for the city centre. Together with the projects planned for the commercial centre of Larnaca, the two squares are set to become new landmarks for the city. According to Larnaca Municipality, around €8 million + VAT will be spent on modernising Acropolis and Alki Squares and renovating the surrounding streets.