Filenews 14 July 2022 - by Angelos Nicolaou
The Environmental Authority has given the green light to Kition Ocean Holdings Ltd, for the development of the port and marina of Larnaca, which undertakes to implement the largest development project of the Republic of Cyprus, with a budget of approximately €1.2 billion. It includes a very large number of projects, which will be completed in 20 years and will turn Larnaca into a vibrant city with the unique advantages of hosting the largest international airport in the country, and a modern port / marina for cruise ships and yachts, while part of the commercial activities of the port will be preserved.
After the issuance of planning permission by the Department of Town Planning and Housing and depending on the type of each individual development, an Environmental Impact Assessment Study or an Information Report for evaluation should be submitted through the licensing authority.
The main goal of the development of the port is the creation of a modern and functional freight and passenger port station. It should be noted that based on the proposed plans, port freight activities are separated from passenger activities. In addition, the main goal of the redevelopment of the Larnaca marina is the re-development of the marine area of the marina in order to achieve a minimum capacity of 600 berths for yachts up to 115 metres in size.
The project is planned to be implemented in the areas currently occupied by the port and the Larnaca marina. Specifically, the area of implementation of the project starts in the north from the point on the boundaries of the former area of the oil tanks and the open rainwater canal and extends to the boundaries of the beach of Finikoudes on Athinon Avenue.
The duration of the construction works of the project, during which the operation of the port and marina will continue, includes four distinct phases. In the first phase, the two existing breakwaters of the marina will be demolished and replaced by new breakwaters, in order to expand the marina's port basin. Also, new buildings will be constructed that include the Real Estate area, the beach hotel, which will be built near the listed pier, the marina area and the Yacht Club, which will include all the required uses for the proper operation of the marina.
During this initial period of development, roads, networks and pedestrian streets will be built in order to comply with the minimum requirements in order to connect the development area with the city. Indicatively, the marina's new pedestrian street, the Yacht Club and the Cruise Terminal will be connected to the coastal road and Finikoudes Avenue. The coastal road will be at least 25.5 metres wide, extending the current path by 1 kilometre. Also, most of the central park will be developed during the first phase, but will be completed during the second phase. The projects planned in the second phase include the majority of the planned buildings, the completion of the public space, as well as several interventions in the marina and Limenas areas.
The third phase completes the development with the demolition of part of the windward breakwater, in order to allow the access of boats to the private island, which is included in the fourth and final phase of construction.
Mitigating the impact of new development
Port and marina projects will be supported by transport infrastructure and improvements in the public sphere to ensure that there is sustainability and that the upgrade and related local economic benefits are fully realised. The centre of Larnaca has high frequency bus services. However, there are several issues with the city centre, including: poor public sphere, clutter on the roads, high traffic volumes, high levels of traffic congestion, poor connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists due to inadequate and detached facilities to overcome traffic barriers. The successful implementation of the project requires a significant investment in traffic infrastructure in order to reach its full potential. Various solutions for upgrading traffic infrastructure are being proposed in this regard.
INTERVENTION
With care the new... Larnaca
For years now in Larnaca they complain that he is the poor relative in matters of tourism and that the city is neglected by the decision-making centres. The creation of the port and marina of Larnaka in the area of Finikoudes will give new life and dynamics to the whole city. What the local authorities should take care of is that the area of Finikoudes is not affected mechanically and in no case is it cut off from the rest of the city. Further, since the work will last 20 years, noise and nuisance near residential areas should be avoided.
