larnaca salt — A €2.6 million environmental centre on Larnaca Salt Lake Park will move forward after a 15-year freeze, following the completion of an architectural competition that drew 22 proposals. This development aims to create an Environmental Information Centre, which will serve as a hub for information and study on Cyprus’s most significant wetland.
Larnaca salt: Revitalising a Historic Site
The ambitious project spans over 40,000 square metres, with plans to demolish buildings from a former leper colony to make way for the new centre. This revitalisation not only aims to enhance the ecological value of the area but also to preserve its historical significance.
A New Vision for Environmental Education
Larnaca Municipality recently announced the results of the jury evaluation, awarding first prize to a team of five architects: Charis Aristodimou, Konstantinos Kelpis, Marios Kyriakou, Louis Loizou, and Yiotis Tsangaris. Their design for the Environmental Information Centre and its surrounding area will cover approximately 15,000 square metres, showcasing the ecological and environmental character of the protected area.
Engaging the Community
The centre will feature educational programmes aimed at visitor groups, with exhibits highlighting the ecological, environmental, and cultural elements of the area, including the iconic Kamares aqueduct. Planned facilities include a shop, ticket office, screening and lecture hall, environmental education room, exhibits hall, and a café with outdoor dining, all designed to engage and educate the community.
Future Steps
As the project moves forward, the next step involves securing the necessary permits before tendering construction work. Work is expected to commence within the next year, with the Larnaca Municipality serving as the contracting authority. The remaining area will be developed under strict environmental conditions set out in the competition terms, ensuring that the project aligns with sustainability goals.
A Space for Nature Lovers
In addition to the Environmental Information Centre, the site will include spaces for educational and recreational purposes, as well as opportunities for bird watching. Access will be created to the salt lake path, inviting nature lovers and the community to explore this unique environment.
