Blog
Projects Transforming Larnaka: From Piale Pasa to the Land of Tomorrow
December 3, 2024
Larnaka’s transformational journey continues through its historic centre and reaches up to the area of the former fuel storage terminals, whose development prospects soared after the removal of the fuel tanks.
It is no coincidence that its stakeholders keep repeating that “the future belongs to Larnaka.” Over the last three years, the demand for investments throughout the city has increased dramatically, while more and more people from Cyprus and abroad are turning to Larnaka to purchase or rent housing.
This journey has been supported by projects that have been completed or are underway, radically changing entire areas, with some already reaping the benefits. A characteristic example is Piale Pasa, which has been transformed into one of the most picturesque streets in the city due to the facade renovation works that were completed last March. All the buildings in the Turkish Cypriot neighbourhood, along the coastal road which connects the Finikoudes with Mackenzie Beach, were painted in colours drawn from the historical palette of Larnaka, enhancing its appearance making it one of the most beautiful pedestrian streets. The area now buzzes with life due to significant investments made in dining establishments, which have added value to the region. A hallmark of the Skala neighbourhood is the Mediterranean Artists Park, inaugurated last July by the President of the Republic of Cyprus. The fields and abandoned houses in the Artists’ Neighbourhood have been transformed into one of the most beautiful squares in the city, serving as a space for artistic expression and a retreat for its residents and visitors.
The most impressive transformations occurred in an area that for many years had been considered an eyesore with the creation of Zouhouri Square, inaugurated in January 2023. The redevelopment of the courtyard of the Zouhouri building complex highlighted the historic mosque and the former Turkish Cypriot market, creating the most beautiful meeting space in the city centre. A space that has identified itself with the production of culture, as it forms the basis of Larnaka 2030 and became widely known throughout Cyprus when, within the framework of the Larnaka Biennale, it was “illuminated” by the Moon Museum, the iconic work of Luke Jerram, which attracted many thousands of people.
The construction of the Municipal Market, the redevelopment of the impressive Mathei House, as well as the creation of the Multi-Purpose Centre for Social Welfare and Employment have contributed to the enhancement of the city centre. However, the complete rejuvenation of the heart of Larnaka will come with two projects worth €14 million that started recently and are expected to be completed in 2026. These involve the redevelopment of the historic Alkis and Acropolis squares and the beautification of commercial streets (Phase II). With these projects, the Larnaka Municipality aims to add the most significant impact to the transformation of the centre, where approximately 25 boutique hotels have been operating in recent years, and applications have been submitted for the establishment of at least 10 more.
A jewel for Larnaka will also be the Salina Park, which will soon be completed. It is one of the most beautiful urban parks in Cyprus, featuring an artificial lake and event spaces, which along with the renovated Municipal Garden, will form the most important green lungs in the city centre.
Beyond the projects aimed at improving the quality of life for residents, Larnaka is also investing in two areas closely linked to sustainable development: education and culture. The city is awaiting official approval from the state for the establishment of the School of Marine Sciences, Technology, and Sustainable Development at TEPAK in Mackenzie, while its stakeholders are in discussions with the National Technical University of Athens to create a branch in the municipal district of Oroklini. Furthermore, the establishment in 2022 of the Larnaka 2030 Organization, which manages the candidacy for the European Capital of Culture, aims at the cultural renaissance of the city, and has already had a positive impact through the innovative events that the organisation hosts.
The Land of Tomorrow in the area of the old fuel storage terminals
One of the main reasons Larnaka is now characterized as the city of the future is the enormous prospects unlocked by the removal of the fuel and gas storage terminals, on the Larnaka-Dekeleia road. In that area, investments worth hundreds of millions are planned, with the crown jewel being the ambitious Land of Tomorrow, the first phase of which is expected to commence in the last quarter of 2025. This strategic collaboration of the Lefkaritis Group and Petrolina, with bbf:, designed by Foster + Partners, has been announced in July 2024 in the presence of the President of the Republic and the President of the Parliament.
The design of the project bears the mark of one of the largest architectural firms in the world and aims to create a sustainable coastal residential community. As a mixed use project, it will include shops, commercial streets, restaurants, bars, a luxurious hotel, a modern conference centre, private offices, co-working spaces, and event spaces.
The vision behind the Land of Tomorrow is to create a new model of sustainable development that highlights a beachfront with an ecological identity, large green spaces, and cultural as well as recreational infrastructures. The project also plans to plant approximately 20,000 trees.
The first phase of the project, designed as part of the strategic partnership with bbf: and Foster + Partners, will be developed along the coastline on an area exceeding 32,000 square meters and will include five buildings providing impressive facilities for residents, such as pools, gyms, playgrounds, etc.
Pre-sale is planned to launch in the 1st quarter of 2025, and the completion of this phase is expected within 2 to 2.5 years.