THE NEW DEVELOPMENT ALONG LARNACA’S FORMER REFINERY WATERFRONT
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The island’s third-largest city, Larnaca, is to invest in a new seafront promenade. The municipality that has historically pursued initiatives to enhance tourism, housing, and public access along its popular coast is supporting the redevelopment of its former oil refinery site. Situated on its eastern coastline, the new developments will include pedestrianisation, marina-related works, public space improvements, and several environmental upgrades.
The new development will include:
New public realm enhancements: A series of new promenades, bike lanes, shaded plazas, and pedestrian-friendly corridors are to be built.
Tourism and hospitality integration: A new hotel, along with serviced apartments, is to be built. A series of new waterfront dining options will be offset against several cultural spaces.
Environmental and coastal management: Coastal flood protection, beach restoration, wastewater and drainage improvements, and several open green spaces.
Infrastructure: A new parking management system, traffic re-routing, and public transit accessibility.
A €1 BILLION INVESTMENT
Exceeding €1 billion in total investment, it is said that Larnaca’s new waterfront ‘Land of Tomorrow’ project will mark a significant transformation of the area. The huge scale of this new project involves not only the municipality of Larnaca, but also the coordination of several Cyprus Ministries. these include the Ministries of the Interior, Tourism, Transport, and Communications. Phase one of the project has now begun after the submission by public consultants of the required environmental impact assessments. With financing approved by both private sector partners, along with government officials, Phase One of the new development is now underway.
DISMANTLING & CLEARING
Waterfront redevelopments of this nature often suffer delays. These can occur due to permitting, funding, environmental impact, and or the ever-changing market conditions that surround this type of investment. Once dominated by oil tanks, works to clear the former refinery are now complete. The project, however, is typically expected to span several years. With this in mind, preparatory work is already underway for phase one. These include measures to manage environmental impacts, such as noise, dust, and waste, during the demolition and clearing process. Environmental authorities are also involved in the removal of concrete, metals, and debris from the site.
PHASE ONE
The initial phase of the project will cover 32,000 square metres. This will include the construction of two 15-storey buildings that will create up to 200 new modern apartments for the area. Expected to be completed by 2029, this phase makes up only part of the larger 400,000-square-metre project. The whole project, on completion, will include retail spaces, commercial streets, restaurants, bars, a five-star luxury hotel, a modern conference centre, private offices with co-working spaces, and several event venues. The project will also feature up to 20,000 new trees in its entirety.
