The construction of Pattihio Park in Larnaca has been suspended.
This was announced by the local municipality on Tuesday, February 27.
According to the mayor's office, the realization of the project faced a negative reaction from the residents of the city. They were joined by the Ecological Movement. At the demand of activists, all works were postponed until at least June. In particular, they stated that the construction of the park harms the environment and the birds that live on the plot allocated for the construction.
The project is expected to be reviewed soon. According to Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras, the area of the park will be significantly reduced. In addition, the skate area, parking lot, and tennis courts are likely to be excluded from the project. Instead of LED lighting, the park will have special lights installed that do not affect birds. In addition, paved and concrete paths will be replaced with eco-friendly pavement. As for the cafe on the territory of the park, its working conditions will be revised. In winter, the institution that won the tender will be allowed to close at 19:00, and in summer - no later than 21:00.
The original project, which was developed by Chrysanthos Chrysanthou and Associates, provided for the modernization of the area between the theater "Pattihio" in Larnaca and the Salt Lake.
The new green zone was to occupy an area of more than 380 thousand m2. At the same time, 14.3 thousand m2 was allocated for infrastructure. The park was planned to be the largest public space for recreation and a continuation of the protected area of the Salt Lakes. Due to its size, social significance, and the presence of a municipal theater nearby, the park was to attract and serve the population of the entire region.
The project included the creation of a modern park infrastructure: paths and trails, playgrounds for children, fields for sports, outdoor exercise equipment, a skatepark, recreational facilities, a botanical garden, a dog park, and an amphitheater.
The green area was planned to have six entrances, a large parking lot, a restaurant, and a canopied walkway around it. The park was to be equipped with modern street lighting, sidewalks, and benches.
The construction of the new park was awarded to Miltiades Neophytou Civil Engineering Constructors & Developers Ltd, which won the tender. It is not yet clear how the contractor will react to the change in the project and the postponement of construction.