The coastal front of Larnaca is expected to undergo a radical transformation, as the Master Plan of the company EKO Cyprus Ltd for the area of the former refineries enters the final stretch of licensing. The project, which concerns a mixed development of mutually supported uses, is currently under consideration by the Department for the Environment, with the public consultation remaining open to the public until June 10.
The proposed spatial study (Master Plan) provides for the creation of a modern pole of attraction, which will consist of five developments and will include residential, commercial and tourist infrastructure. Specifically, the main land uses proposed are:
>> Hotel unit with a capacity of 150 beds, seven levels, with a total area of approximately 10,155 sq.m.
>> Conference Center (MICE), infrastructure 1,200 sq.m. to strengthen professional tourism.
>> Residential development, the construction of 313 apartments, with a total area of 31,300 sq.m., is planned.
>> Commercial and office developments include commercial spaces of 9,500 sq.m. and offices of 10,300 sq.m.
The design places particular emphasis on environmental upgrading, with the creation of extensive green and recreational spaces that will be accessible to the public, aiming at the aesthetic improvement of an area that for decades has been burdened by industrial activities.
The hotel unit and the conference center will also have a communal basement level, which will accommodate the parking spaces and a room in which there will be infrastructure for waste storage. On the ground floor there will be a total of 51 parking spaces and 9 for the disabled and on the basement level there will be 186 parking spaces for 4 disabled people.
The residential development building will have a basement level on which 325 parking spaces and 22 for the disabled will be located to meet the needs of the tenants. The total number of parking spaces for commercial developments will be 104 and 12 for the disabled, while for the office developments 225 and 12 for the disabled. In total, the proposed project will have 891 parking spaces and 63 for the disabled.
According to the Environmental Impact Assessment Study (EIA), the removal of former refinery facilities has already eliminated significant sources of pollution and risk. The new growth is expected to have a mainly positive socio-economic impact, creating new jobs and strengthening the local economy.
However, the study also acknowledges challenges, such as increasing traffic congestion in the region. To address them, measures such as upgrading road junctions, building light-controlled pedestrian crossings and encouraging alternative modes of transportation (bicycle, bus) are proposed.
In the development plan of the area, the construction of a coastal waterfront / linear park on the coastal front of the area is planned. It is a public space that will connect the tourist area of Oroklini with the marina of Larnaca and the city center. According to the plan, the linear park will be in the form of a multi-purpose seaside square, will be configured as an area of free and safe movement, as a place for walking, playing and as a space for various events and activities and will be connected to the important outdoor spaces, axes and squares of the study area
The company has already held a public presentation of the project, recording the views of the local community. Citizens and stakeholders have the opportunity to submit their views to the Department of Environment until June 10, thus contributing to the formation of the final decision.
The project is part of the broader framework of the "Development Plan for the Former Refineries Area", which since 2020 has transformed the area into a Special Urban Development Zone (SEND), paving the way for similar urban projects and infrastructure.
The benefits of implementing mixed growth
According to the design firm YNB Consulting Limited, which prepared the MEEP, the proposed general spatial study provides for the implementation of a mixed development of mutually supported uses, which will consist of a hotel unit, a conference center, residential, commercial and office developments. The construction and operation of the proposed project is expected to bring, among others, the following socio-economic and developmental benefits to the local community:
>> Upgrading and enriching the uses of the area for the benefit of both permanent residents and visitors, through the creation of hospitality, recreation, as well as business premises.
>> Contribution to the development of the region through the creation of multiple jobs.
>> The implementation of the proposed project will encourage the development of other urban projects in the area.
>> Physical and functional upgrade of the area.
>> The building developments of the proposed spatial study will contribute to the aesthetic upgrade of the area.
>> The proposed hotel unit is expected to contribute to the development of the tourism sector both locally and nationally, as it will be a tourist attraction.
>> The proposed conference center is expected to attract professionals for the organization and realization of conferences and events.
>> The proposed residential development is expected to contribute to the development of the local community as it will offer luxury apartments to house locals and/or visitors to the area,
>> The proposed commercial development will be an economic attraction and will attract visitors to the region.
>> The proposed office development is expected to accommodate companies that will be served by the services offered by the region.
>> The green spaces that will be available to the public according to the general spatial study, will offer a space for relaxation and exercise, upgrading the quality of life and improving the physical and mental health of the local community.
>> The proposed general spatial study will contribute to the fulfilment of the objectives set in the Area Plan of the former Refineries in the Urban Area of the municipalities of Larnaca and Livadia. One of the objectives of the plan is the creation of high quality open urban spaces and their balanced distribution in the area, in any case intertwined with the use of the residence.
Other projects in the wider area
The development area of the proposed project is characterized by urban developments, such as residential buildings, commercial developments, and hotel units. Also, the port of Larnaca is located in the area. In addition to the port adjacent to the southeast of the development plots, there are commercial shops in the area (supermarket, clothing, car sales, etc.), residential developments, tourist developments and other premises and entertainment services.
Future projects include the coastal waterfront/linear park, the regeneration of the port and marina of Larnaca, the dismantling and demolition of gas storage facilities, tanks and pipes, and the construction of residential and tourist development.
