During the first half of the year, it is anticipated that the regeneration of the old, run-down area of Ayios Ioannis and the municipal market will begin in earnest – two projects that will each cost €5.5 million to complete.

The Ayios Ioannis construction project is a particularly major one that will see the creation of new, attractive cobbled roads, in line with the character of the area’s old houses, as well as more parking and easier/safer access for cars, cyclists and pedestrians – issues that have always been a bone of contention with residents.

Areas for relaxation will also be added, providing the area with a plaza, park and ample benches.

Ayios Ioannis as a whole is architecturally significant, and also a symbol of the religious tolerance and harmony that Larnaca is well-known known for on the island, thanks to its Greek Orthodox church, Catholic church and mosque, which are all located in close proximity to one another.

There is also an ancient Venetian fountain that has remained largely neglected until now, and is one of two remaining in Larnaca.

Meanwhile, in the heart of the town centre, the rebirth of the municipal market will see the traditional indoor market rebuilt in its original setting, which is currently an open-air municipal car park that was created following the demolition of the indoor market in 1996.

At present, an open-air farmer’s market operates in the car park on Saturday mornings, and residents and visitors alike have voiced their desire to see a permanent traditional market brought to Larnaca once more.

Another much-needed improvement project that is going ahead is the full upgrade of the municipal park at an estimated cost of €800,000. The toys of the children’s park are in general disrepair, whilst the park has already undergone smaller cosmetic changes in recent years, following the removal of some of the cages that once housed animals, but still requires much enhancement.

The park is located within the Municipal Gardens, which also house a small Natural History Museum, the Municipal Theatre and the Municipal Library.

Along the coastline, there is some progress in that the refinery facilities have finally been moved off of the Dhekelia Road strip of beach – a sight that has always marred the area – whilst an additional project will see breakwaters erected to stop coastal erosion. The area to be protected by the breakwaters covers 5.5 kilometres, and the project itself is estimated at costing €4.7 million.

Among its other planned projects, Larnaca will also benefit from a new Multipurpose Sports Centre, scheduled to be built on the site of the existing Community Centre and the area that surrounds it, at a cost of €3.5 million, and in collaboration with the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA).

Source: InCyprus