Filenews 1 August 2024 - by Natasha Christoforou
The Government satisfied Larnaka's request for the development of the port and marina and announced that it will separate the project and proceed with the immediate works requested by the Ad Hoc Committee of the city's stakeholders.
The Government's decisions were announced at a press conference by the Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeadis, who initially said that the strategy for implementing the development will separate the two functions, port and marina. The benefits of the separation, he noted, will be development in the context of long-term sustainability, the assignment of projects to individual bodies with specialized expertise for the project they undertake and the mild development of real estate, as is the wish of the ad hoc Larnaca Committee.
The termination of the contract, Mr. Vafeadis pointed out, "must not deprive the city of Larnaka of the projects and our decisions on the next steps must take into account the fastest possible implementation of the projects."
For this reason, it was decided to implement priority projects that will upgrade the quality of life of residents and visitors of Larnaka, These projects, where the approach of the IAS and the ad hoc committee converges, include the following:
1. Maintenance and upgrading of the existing marina. The work proposed to be carried out concerns:
• Dredging of the sea area of approximately 25,000 sq.m. at the mouth of the marina, as well as maintenance works within the marine zone
• Completion of maintenance works of a listed dock
• Creation of a new area for the lifting and maintenance of boats, as well as the relocation of fencing due to the construction of the Larnaka Nautical Club (Yacht club)
• Maintenance and upgrade of the existing marina.
2. Construction of a Yacht Club
The building of Larnaka Nautical Club will include offices for use by the Marina Management and state services and entertainment areas for the public. It is expected that it will develop into a social entertainment area for citizens and provision of services for the users of the marina.
It will potentially become an emblematic building for Larnaka and for its design a fast-track architectural competition will be announced, in a way that will not burden the project in time. It must be a landmark building, as it will mark a main gateway to the Republic of Cyprus.
3. Landscaping of a park and green areas
It includes landscaping with free use by the public for entertainment and recreation purposes. Guests will have unhindered access to the marine area of the marina and the activities of the Yacht club.
The works are estimated at €25-30 million + VAT. The Contracting Authority will undertake the Ministry of Maritime Affairs exclusively or in cooperation with Larnaka Municipality, depending on the ability of the Municipality to execute the specific individual projects.
The construction of part of the road network that had been discussed for inclusion in the projects to be implemented first, was removed from the priorities following the recommendation of the ad hoc committee, as the character of the road will depend on the extent of land development that will follow.
It was also decided to implement at a later time infrastructure development projects that require special research and study. A common approach of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works and the ad hoc committee, noted Mr. Vafeadis, "is that the decision to expand the marina and the port can be taken after a relevant expert study, while the development needs of the port must be evaluated in relation to the expansion of the port in Vasilikos. It is assumed that their development will take place through a public-private procurement process, as the most effective way to develop and manage important and complex infrastructures of economic, social and commercial value."
First, he suggested, interest from investors, both in Cyprus and abroad, will be explored through a short consultation process, which is not expected to exceed three months, and then a study will be commissioned by experts.
The minister also announced other projects that will upgrade Larnaca and fuel growth. In addition to the works at the port and marina, the following are planned:
– Implementation of the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan at a cost of approximately €18m. With a completion horizon of 2026, tenders have already been announced.
– Study by the Ministry of Interior of the possibility of accelerating the design and construction for the extension of Panagouli Avenue that will allow the faster development of the northern part of Larnaka.
"With these measures we aim to implement projects that will upgrade the social experience of the marina and upgrade the tourist product of the city. At the same time, we want to support the overall development of Larnaka with the ultimate goal of developing into an even friendlier and more active city, without losing the characteristics of the seaside and human city we all love."
