For decades, Aktaia Road was one of the least visited parts of Limassol. Hidden behind the port, the area became known for its ageing factories, abandoned industrial buildings, warehouses and the traditional boatyard. Despite its rich history, it remained largely disconnected from everyday life in the city.
That is now about to change.
The Limassol waterfront regeneration project aims to transform Aktaia Road into a vibrant public waterfront that reconnects the port with the city centre. The project is designed to create a place where people can walk, cycle, relax and enjoy better access to the sea, while also encouraging new investment and sustainable development.
Speaking about the plans, Mayor Yiannis Armeftis described the redevelopment as one of the most important urban projects the city has undertaken in recent years.
Limassol waterfront regeneration will reconnect the port and city centre
According to Armeftis, the main objective is to reconnect Limassol Port with the city centre by creating a continuous public waterfront.
“Aktaia Road is the space that can bring the port and the city centre together,” he said.
Rather than simply upgrading a road, the municipality wants to create a linear waterfront park with wide pedestrian paths, cycle lanes and space for public transport. The plans also leave open the possibility of introducing a tram system in the future if it proves viable.
The Limassol waterfront regeneration project also forms part of the city’s wider strategy to encourage sustainable transport. The new waterfront will connect with existing pedestrian routes, cycle paths and green corridors, making it easier for residents to move around the city without relying on cars.
At the same time, the redevelopment will improve access to the coastline for residents living in western Limassol, an area that has historically had limited access to the sea.
Aktaia Road (in red) is set to become the centrepiece of Limassol’s new waterfront regeneration project
Early work is already transforming Aktaia Road
Although the main redevelopment is still being planned, work has already begun to improve the area.
The municipality has cleaned the beach, demolished derelict buildings and planted more than 500 trees. A one-kilometre pedestrian and cycle path has also been completed, featuring solar-powered lighting, while a new bridge has improved access across the site.
In addition, around 3,000 tonnes of rubble and waste have been removed after years of illegal dumping.
The mayor said the municipality wants residents to begin enjoying the area before the entire redevelopment is completed.
“We want to deliver parts of the project as they are finished so people can start using them immediately. This also allows us to see how the spaces work in practice and what further improvements may be needed.”
The next stage will complete a final 400-metre section linking the Garyllis River with the roundabout at Limassol Port’s passenger terminal. This connection is expected to provide the first continuous link between the port and the new waterfront.
Early work is already transforming Aktaia Road
Although the main redevelopment is still being planned, work has already begun to improve the area.
The municipality has cleaned the beach, demolished derelict buildings and planted more than 500 trees. A one-kilometre pedestrian and cycle path has also been completed, featuring solar-powered lighting, while a new bridge has improved access across the site.
In addition, around 3,000 tonnes of rubble and waste have been removed after years of illegal dumping.
The mayor said the municipality wants residents to begin enjoying the area before the entire redevelopment is completed.
“We want to deliver parts of the project as they are finished so people can start using them immediately. This also allows us to see how the spaces work in practice and what further improvements may be needed.”
The next stage will complete a final 400-metre section linking the Garyllis River with the roundabout at Limassol Port’s passenger terminal. This connection is expected to provide the first continuous link between the port and the new waterfront.
International architectural competition planned
The next major milestone in the Limassol waterfront regeneration project will be an international architectural competition, which is expected to launch in 2027.
Preparatory work is already under way, with the University of Cyprus and Frederick University helping to develop the competition brief and the project’s overall masterplan.
The municipality has also begun discussions with key stakeholders, including port operators DP World and Eurogate, together with government departments responsible for planning, public works and the environment.
Later this year, local residents will also be invited to take part in workshops and public presentations so their views can help shape the final design.
According to the mayor, careful preparation is essential before launching the international competition.
Boatyard relocation remains one of the biggest challenges
One of the most difficult issues facing the Limassol waterfront regeneration project is the future of the traditional boatyard.
Aktaia Road Boatyards (Karnagio)
Armeftis made it clear that the municipality does not want businesses to close.
“The solution is not to shut these businesses down,” he said. “The solution is to relocate them to a modern, properly organised site.”
He argued that Cyprus should have a modern shipyard capable of supporting its growing maritime industry. However, finding a suitable coastal location is the responsibility of central government.
The mayor added that the current boatyard is located within a protected coastal zone and no longer fits with the long-term vision for the waterfront.
Investment grows while preserving Limassol’s industrial heritage
The Limassol waterfront regeneration project is already attracting significant private investment.
former industrial buildings are being converted into cultural venues, event spaces and commercial developments, while new mixed-use projects are expected to reshape the western waterfront over the coming years.
However, Armeftis believes development should not come at the expense of the area’s identity.
“The industrial buildings are part of Limassol’s history,” he said. “Where possible, they should be preserved and adapted for new uses, particularly for cultural and community activities.”
the area is also expected to see taller buildings. current planning regulations allow developments of up to 30 storeys and heights of 120 metres. construction of the first tower exceeding 30 storeys is already under way, with further projects expected as investment gathers pace.
A new chapter for Limassol’s waterfront
The Limassol waterfront regeneration project represents one of the city’s most ambitious urban renewal schemes. By combining new public spaces, sustainable transport, private investment and the careful reuse of historic industrial buildings, the municipality hopes to create a waterfront that serves both residents and visitors.
If delivered as planned, Aktaia Road could become one of Limassol’s most important new destinations, reconnecting the city with its industrial past while creating a modern waterfront for future generations.
Armeftis made it clear that the municipality does not want businesses to close.
“The solution is not to shut these businesses down,” he said. “The solution is to relocate them to a modern, properly organised site.”
He argued that Cyprus should have a modern shipyard capable of supporting its growing maritime industry. However, finding a suitable coastal location is the responsibility of central government.
The mayor added that the current boatyard is located within a protected coastal zone and no longer fits with the long-term vision for the waterfront.
Investment grows while preserving Limassol’s industrial heritage
The Limassol waterfront regeneration project is already attracting significant private investment.
former industrial buildings are being converted into cultural venues, event spaces and commercial developments, while new mixed-use projects are expected to reshape the western waterfront over the coming years.
However, Armeftis believes development should not come at the expense of the area’s identity.
“The industrial buildings are part of Limassol’s history,” he said. “Where possible, they should be preserved and adapted for new uses, particularly for cultural and community activities.”
the area is also expected to see taller buildings. current planning regulations allow developments of up to 30 storeys and heights of 120 metres. construction of the first tower exceeding 30 storeys is already under way, with further projects expected as investment gathers pace.
A new chapter for Limassol’s waterfront
The Limassol waterfront regeneration project represents one of the city’s most ambitious urban renewal schemes. By combining new public spaces, sustainable transport, private investment and the careful reuse of historic industrial buildings, the municipality hopes to create a waterfront that serves both residents and visitors.
If delivered as planned, Aktaia Road could become one of Limassol’s most important new destinations, reconnecting the city with its industrial past while creating a modern waterfront for future generations.
