The rapid development in Larnaca brings the first towers, the demand in which is at its peak, mainly due to the removal of the oil tanks from the area of the former refineries. On the occasion of the construction of the tallest building in the city, but also the discussion that started about the large developments, "F" asked for information from the licensing authorities, as well as from companies that are preparing towers that reach €300 million.

The Department of Urban Planning stated that it did not give permission for towers in Larnaca, however the Director of Urban Planning gave an agreement to 12 applications handled by the Municipality of Larnaca, for the construction of buildings from 15-30 floors. It is noted that the Director of Urban Planning submits opinions when a development includes floors, beyond the permitted ones, which will not be done in the case of the area of the former refineries, since the Area Plan allows buildings with a height of 69 meters. The Municipality of Larnaca, for its part, granted two permits for towers that are being implemented, as well as at least three others that did not go ahead. For its part, the Larnaca District Self-Government Organization informed us that it has not yet granted any permit for a tower, however it has seven applications for buildings over 20 floors.

What emerges as a conclusion is that there is still no clear picture as to the scope that the construction of towers in Larnaca can take, something that will become clear when all the applications for the developments in the area of the former refineries are submitted. The fact is, however, that some major developments, the details of which are listed below, have either begun or are at a very advanced stage.

Marigate Larnaca

A tower of about 60 meters, which is, at the moment, the tallest building in the city, is being erected near the port of Larnaca. This is the Marigate Larnaca development by Marinakis Property Developers (Cypriot entrepreneurs), which is expected to be completed before the end of 2026. The company's operation manager, Antonis Marinou, said that the company was the first to submit an application in 2017 for the construction of a tower in Larnaca. "There was a delay in the licensing by the Municipality of Larnaca, but in the end they gave us the green light after many consultations. We started work on the subsoil from 2022, and in 2023 work began above the earth's surface. At the moment we have already finished with the skeleton of the building and we are moving forward at a rapid pace."

This is a growth of €12 million. which will consist of nine luxury apartments. "Sales in this building are already at an advanced level. It is the tallest residential building under construction in the province of Larnaca, which includes a reception with a recreation area on the ground floor, covered parking spaces on the first floor, gym facilities and an environmentally friendly building rated A class", noted Mr. Marinou.

Lumina Mare

This month, the procedures for the construction of the Lumina Mare project, of the company Shajwawi Lebovich Karekla (SLK) Developments Ltd, located near the port of Larnaca, began. This is a mixed licensed development, costing €40 million, which concerns the construction of a 19-storey tower that will reach 65 meters.

According to information from the company, the tower is expected to be completed in 2.5 years. The development includes 54 residences with sea views, all above the 7th floor. The company states that "residents will enjoy indoor and outdoor gym facilities, a swimming pool and a rooftop bar on the 19th floor and commercial spaces on the ground floor, with restaurants, cafes and luxury stores".

Horizon Towers

SLK is also planning the construction of a grandiose project with six towers in Livadia, in an area near the former refinery, about 400 meters from the sea. This is a residential and commercial project of approximately €200 million, which will include 528 residential units, luxury restaurants, commercial spaces, swimming pools, a gym, a spa and a padel court.

The development includes:

Horizon 1 and 2: Two towers of 20 floors (86 meters) with 99 apartments.

Horizon 3, 4 and 5: Three towers of 17 floors (75 meters) with 85 apartments.

Horizon 6: A 16-story (70-meter) tower with 77 apartments.

According to the company, the planning and building permits for the project are expected around mid-2026, while the first phase (towers 1 & 2) is scheduled to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2029. "Horizon Towers is being developed by SLK Developments, a global leader in residential developments, with over 17,000 units delivered worldwide," the company notes.

Aqua Residences

Last June, the Environmental Authority approved, conditionally, the environmental study for the construction of the two 68-meter towers, of the Israeli-owned company Solvin Ltd, next to the Larnaca Nautical Club on Dhekelia Road.

The €40 million Aqua Residences project envisages the construction of two towers with 114 apartments, a swimming pool, a gym, a spa and public green spaces. The conditions set are that the eroded land be recovered before planning permission is issued, since about 40% of the plot has subsided due to coastal erosion. In addition, the coastline should be monitored for at least 6 months.

The company said it will start the process of reclaiming the beach in the spring of 2026 and at the end of the same year it is expected to start the construction of the towers.