“In times of economic recession, projects of this magnitude are rarely completed,” he said. “But the Limassol Marina is here and is already operating to remind everyone that the Cypriots are determined not just to stand on our feet, but to move ahead,” he said.

The new state-of-the-art project would place Cyprus on the map, especially for tourism, he said.  The commercial zone with its shops and restaurants would also be a huge attraction for foreigners and locals alike.

The marina, Anastasiades added, would employ directly and indirectly 800 people and contribute millions to the state and the economy.

He stressed the importance of investments especially in the current climate and reassured the business community of the government’s determination to assist and support businessmen and attract investments.

With its moto ‘Living on the Sea’ and its goal to position Cyprus on the yachting map, attract investments, change the face of Limassol town, revitalise the cultural centre, improve the quality of Cyprus’ tourism, and to create new jobs, the marina opened its doors to the public on June 9.

Visitors can now walk along the promenade or eat or drink coffee at the various cafés and restaurants. There are 40 shops, 12 restaurants a yacht club, fitness and spa club, cultural centre, a marine training school and parking space for up to 750 cars. The yacht club and the shopping, spa and fitness facilities will open later this month.

The marina is located to the west of the old port, taking over the entire seaside area from the old to the new port.

The marina, which is estimated to have cost €300m is being managed under a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) agreement; Limassol Marina Ltd (LML), the joint venture company which owns the project, will manage the marina for 53 years, and will retain profit rights for a further 37 years.

It is the first full service marina in Cyprus. It has a capacity of 650 berths, for yachts up to 115m in length. Every berth has access to fresh water, electricity, fibre optic network providing high-speed broadband, high-speed wireless internet and telephone, fuel and waste removal.  The Marina welcomed the first residents and yachts in 2013.

It also has 236 luxury residences, 162 apartments and 74 villas.

Source: Cyprus Mail