Roadmap with projects worth €415 million. (±50%) in a port and marina, over a twenty-year horizon, was presented on Thursday afternoon, before the Larnaca Development Committee, by the Cyprus Ports Authority. In essence, a unified plan for the development of the port and the marina is proposed, which will include projects both in land areas of 85,000 sq.m., as well as the unification of the coastal fronts of Finikoudes and the area of the former refineries, through pedestrian streets, bicycle paths, squares and recreation areas.
The aim of the project is to create a modern, sustainable and internationally competitive coastal complex that will combine tourist, business and public uses as well as marina services.
The Port Authority will retain ownership of the infrastructure, but it is also planned to attract private investment. It also provides for the announcement of an Architectural Competition and the preparation of the General Master Plan (Concept Master Plan) for the unified design. The developments have been divided into three sub-projects which are as follows:
-Regeneration and utilization of the land areas of the marina and the adjacent land,
-Upgrading and expansion of the marina and
-Modernization and long-term development of the port.
Development of land areas
The development of the land areas will take place within a decade and has an estimated cost of €190 million. (±50%). Initially, from 2027-2028, the land areas will be beautified and temporarily unified with Europe Square. Subsequently, in 2028-2031, a new road network, a new multi-storey parking lot, as well as new green spaces will be created
The development and commercial exploitation of the land plots is proposed to be implemented through concession agreements to third parties. Specifically, from 2028-2036, the creation of hotel facilities and a Conference Center, restaurants and recreation areas, an exhibition space and a Nautical Club, a Center of Excellence, as well as shops is planned.
Development of the marina
The projects have a ten-year horizon and an estimated cost of €20 million. (±50%). The development plan essentially adopts a proposal by Superfund, which provides for the increase of berths by 150-200 berths. First, the existing infrastructure will be maintained (2027-2028) and then by 2036 a new Services building will be created, a new southern quay, new floating docks, while the leeward breakwater will also be expanded.
Modernization and development of the port
The most perennial and costly projects are those that will be carried out in the port. The developments will unfold over twenty years and were estimated at €205 million. (±50%).
Initially, the port's equipment will be upgraded to improve the environmental impact and improve the level of service to users (2027-2028). In addition, maintenance of the existing port infrastructure as well as upgrading of the critical infrastructure network (2028-2029) are planned. A new Passenger Hall will be erected in the area, from which one will be able to walk to the marina and Europe Square.
In the medium term (2036-2041), the construction of a new southern quay is foreseen, to increase the berths of merchant ships and in the long term (2041-2045) the expansion of the southern quay, in order to increase the capacity to serve a larger number of passenger ships, but also the expansion of the port with the creation of a new port basin and berths for merchant ships.
The presentation took place in front of all the bodies of Larnaca, while the president of the Association of Shipping Agents was also invited.
