Urban design of the new seafront in Larnaca

Students: Yiannacou Fotis, Panagiotis Papakonstantinou
Supervisor: George Patrikios, Kostis Keventzidis Costas Sakantamis
Democritus University of Thrace
Presentation Date: January 2013

The aim of the present dissertation was the design of the wider region which is currently being occupied by the facilities of oil refinery in Larnaca including fuel and gas depots, given their relocation, so that the seafront area be opened for the public and not separated from the urban site.

The study area is located in the north-eastern coastal part of the city of Larnaca which today hosts the fuel and gas storage facilities of Cyprus. The area under study is bordered with the harbor and marina of the city in the south, with the tourist zone consisting of hotels and holiday homes in the north side, while on the west side there is an undeveloped part of the city (construction - managing value).

After the ratification and implementation of the Town and Country Planning Act of 1990, the Local Plan of Larnaca has been prepared, which aims in a balanced and sustainable development, as well as in civil consolidation of the town.
There was an intense concern on how you deal with the particular area after the relocation of the fuel depots and then, how you lean and negotiate the natural boundary. Regardless of any recommendations have been made to date, our proposal for the recovery of this area and the integration of city life is based on the following axes:

a) Visitors having the opportunity of "contact" with the water
b) Encouraging visitors to use public transportation
c) Development of green areas
d) Economic - touristic development of the region
e) Upgrade and elevation of the natural wealth of the region

Our primary goal is to link the study area with the wider area of harbor and marina (where is about to be rebuilt) and the extension of the promenade in Finikoudes, in order to be linked to the tourist units and become a tourists' attraction.
The proposed design for this region should be welcoming both for Larnaca residents and for tourists visiting the city. All these should coexist harmoniously with commercial and maritime entrepreneurship in order to cover the needs of people moving into a modern city in all aspects. Advantages of this plan are as follows:

1) Natural environment
2) Development and upgrade of the coastal zone

- With residential intervention
- Commercial usage

3) Link ' position' imitating the history of area with modern scientific knowledge
4) Harmonious coexistence of a wide range of age and quantity in a region that offers multiple services

- Education and Technology
- Tourism
- Commercial exploitation
- Maritime development and services
- Amusement and recreation services
- Alternative sports
- Culture and cultural center

5) Convert a "BUFFER AREA" in a modern area that enhances the quality of life both of the city and citizens

The design of the study area is innovative as it is perceived by the types of intervention in the environment, the revitalization of the area and the establishment of many different aspects that combine technology, ecological approach, modern forms of energy, improved living conditions, multiple benefits to citizens and economic development of the region.

The area under reformation can accommodate the coexistence of both the government welfare and the development of private entrepreneurship. By separating the areas of use, each competent could undertake and implement his own area of interest. Funding of individual tracks, it can be done by the relevant entity that assumes (and shape it according to their needs), without deviation from the original design. For the effective management and utilization of this region, it is suggested the establishment of an executive team that has as objective the effective cooperation between the government and private of initiatives to ensure the proper functioning of the process of regeneration. As it can be seen, the benefits of this investment will luxuriate by both companies taking the initiative to invest in this project and the government taking taxes from the businesses. Even though, Larnaca's citizens are those who will benefit the most, firstly because they will get to know a new side of the city that don't know it exists, and secondly because of the economic growth coming out from the new job opportunities (both during the remanufacturing process and during the business recruitment process or other activities that will be developed in the region). However, the biggest gain will be to improve the environment and quality of life in a city that needs to improve its image.
Indicative uses are:

Heated Spaces

- Museum of maritime technology - 3400 sq.m
- Maritime companies' offices - 31700 sq.m
- University - 11400 sq.m
- Library 1200 sq.m
- Conference center - 2000 sq.m
- Bars- 3100 sq.m
- Centers - Shops - 26300 sq.m
- Covered Concerts Area- 2800 sq.m
- Restaurants - 6500 sq.m
- Multicenter - 6000 sq.m
- Aquarium - 6000 sq.m
- Private residences - 29000 sq.m
- Yacht Club - 6000 sq.m

Free - open spaces

- Luna park
- Green areas - theme parks
- Outdoor parking
- Skatepark
- Beach
- Marina