The time is fast approaching when the residents of Larnaca can rejoice in the knowledge that the city will soon welcome some of the finest Cruise Ships of the world, an initiative that is likely to provide a much needed boost to the local economy. Moreover, Larnaca will likely become the principle Cruise Ship port of Cyprus and potentially the eastern Mediterranean hub.
Following 2 years of long arduous negotiations, the Government of Cyprus has finally confirmed that it will indeed sign an agreement with Zenon Consortium for the development of the Larnaca Port and Marina over a 35 years period. Contrary to the popular Cypriot Media, the Government have not actually signed the project yet, but they are set to do so.
The entire project is worth in the region of €700 million and the communications ministry indicated last week that the aim is to commence the project in the early months of 2013. The first phase is expected to be completed within 3 years from the start of construction. Overall, the development will take place over 3 phases.
Here below are the main highlights of the project:
- Construction of the infrastructure at the Port and Marina.
- The marina will initially offer a capacity for 500 boats with the potential to rise to 1,000.
- A new passenger building.
- An offshore jetty.
- A yacht club.
- A commercial area worth €130 million.
- Extensions of the port and the marina at a cost of €55 million.
- Provisions of part of the 200,000 Meter square area for housing projects.
- The initiative will additionally feature parks, restaurants, recreation space, shops and public areas.
Source: About Larnaca
