in-cyprus 19 February 2020 -Edited by Bouli Hadjioannou
Two historic buildings in Limassol’s Ayios Ioannis which once housed poor families but now lie derelict will be transformed into community spaces to promote social and cultural cohesion.
Thanks to the European Union’s Regional Development Fund (ERDF), a total area of 1800 square metres will be redeveloped.
The two buildings are known locally as the Workers’ Houses. One will house counselling facilities and social support services, with a special focus on single parent families and cases of family violence, drug abuse or alcoholism.
The second building will be converted to provide art and cultural activities for children and adolescents (12-18 years). The restoration will preserve the stone-built exterior of the Workers’ Houses.
New buildings will also be constructed and will include a youth centre. The project is expected to be completed in April 2021.
The redevelopment, which is estimated to cost about €4 million, is part of a wider series of social projects totalling €22 million which have been approved and co-financed by ERDF.
