The core regeneration project, worth 17 million euros, is considered particularly important for the city of Paralimni, which is expected to radically change the image of the core and give a new identity to the Municipality.
Phase I of the project – 9 million euros
The first phase of the project will include, among other things, the reconstruction of the shopping street of Archbishop Makarios Avenue that leads to the existing square, where the Metropolitan Church of Agios Georgios is located. The tender for the project is expected to be called by the end of this year and work will start within the next, with a two-year duration. The cost of this phase was estimated at 9 million, 5 of which will come from the THALEIA Program 2021-2027.
Makariou Avenue and its adjacent sidewalks will be pedestrianized, while small squares, green spaces, playgrounds and rest areas will be created. The plan envisages the opening of new roads, through which traffic will be channeled with the aim of having unhindered access for pedestrians and the disabled to the boulevard. Electronic bollards will be placed at the entrance to the pedestrian area and access by vehicle will only be allowed to residents of the area, who will have a special remote control at their disposal. In addition, supply times will be determined for the stores in the area.
Phase B of the project – 8 million euros
The second phase of the project was estimated at 8 million and is expected to be completed in July 2026. The project will be Urban Planning and the tender, according to the planning, will be announced in the autumn of 2024. The aim of the project is to highlight, through a large square of European standards, the identity of the area and the traditional elements her.
The designs include unification of the existing square, created three decades ago, with the sites where the Metropolitan Church of St. George, the ancient church of St. Anna and the church of St. Marina are located. In this way, the size of the square will be significantly expanded, which will be dominated by green areas and water elements, which will create an imaginary connection with the sea. In various parts of the square, small ponds with aquatic life and plenty of green spaces, with trees and bushy vegetation were placed. In addition, a large event space, playgrounds, rest areas will be created, while modern urban equipment and new lighting will be installed. The plans of the Municipality of Paralimni also include moving all the monuments to the area of the square.
Pirillis: The square should function as an outdoor mall
In his statements to the newspaper Liberal on the subject, the Mayor of Paralimni, Theodoros Pyrillis, stated that the ultimate purpose of the project, which will be carried out in two phases, is to bridge the gap that exists between the tourist area of Protaras and the center of Paralimni, which is not included in the dozens' options thousands of visitors, who flood the free Famagusta. The Municipality of Paralimni hopes that this project will bring locals and foreigners to the hinterland, which will give a breath of fresh air to the shopkeepers of the area, who live on plants.
"We want, said the Mayor of Paralimni, the area around the large square that will be created to be able to function as a large open mall, something that other European cities have also achieved", he said, noting that the large project will be a point of reference and for tourists. "We believe that those who visit either Protaras or Ayia Napa will pass by Paralimnion square at least for one night."
New restaurants and shops
The planning includes provisions for new dining areas, which will have tables in the square, as well as the creation of new commercial stores, with a plan to stay open until late at night. "The redevelopment of the square will act as an engine of economic development and we believe that it will attract large investments to Paralimni and create new jobs," said Mr. Pyrillis, adding that "the ultimate goal is for the city to acquire an identity and to improve the quality of life of the citizens".
The regeneration of the core of the Municipality has been a demand of the residents and especially of the shopkeepers for years, who, especially after the loss of the Russian market, saw their turnover shrink significantly. The area was flooded with Russians, who rushed to make a pilgrimage to the churches in the area, so the businesses benefited the most. Now, however, few tourists choose the area, in which, due to the pandemic, many shops have closed.
"At the moment the historical core of Paralimni is abandoned and there are some old cafes and some shops. With the planned projects, a space will be created that will, from now on, continuously have life", noted Mr. Pyrillis, stating that with the project of the regeneration of the core of Paralimni, 98% of the commitments undertaken by the Municipality since 2016 have been implemented.
New multi-storey car park worth 6,5 million euros
In addition, in order to reduce the problem of the lack of parking spaces, within 2024 the creation of a multi-storey parking space next to the Municipal Hall will begin, which will be able to accommodate 300 cars and will cost approximately 6,5 million euros.
Flood protection projects in excess of 7 million euros
Already in the Municipality of Paralimni, other important projects that contribute to the upgrading of living standards and the creation of infrastructure are on track. One of the plans is the over 7 million euro flood protection works in both Paralimni and Protaras, which were damaged by floods last January.
Fourth phase of Protaras coastal pedestrian extension
Also an important project is the extension of the coastal promenade in Protaras, which will start at the fishing shelter of Agios Nikolaos, next to the Port and Naval Station of Paralimni and will end at the administrative boundaries between the Municipality of Paralimni and the Municipality of Deryneia, at the height of the United Nations coastal outpost, a project which as early as January 2023 has received the green light from the Environmental Authority. The project will be a continuation of the 24rd phase of the development of the coastal zone of Paralimni and will include the design of a pedestrian and bicycle path, small platforms, seating areas, canopies, urban equipment and tree plantings with a selection of appropriate types of flora. The pedestrian path and the cycle path will have a total width of eight meters (five meters for the pedestrian path, three for the cycle path). Completion time is estimated at XNUMX months from the start date of the works.
Construction of a Children's Club over 2 million
However, the construction of the Children's Club at the 2.033.000th Primary School of Paralimni, valued at €XNUMX, plus VAT, is in the implementation phase.
The Project is financed by the EU Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. in the context of the Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan and the Municipality of Paralimni.
The Paralimni Children's Club building will consist of a two-story building (Children's Club) and a playground in the yard. The Children's Club includes an antechamber, a dining room, 2 rooms, offices, storerooms, a kitchen, sanitary facilities and a shed on the ground floor as well as 5 rooms, sanitary facilities and a patio on the 1st floor. It also includes ramps for easy access inside the building as well as an elevator and stairs for moving from the ground floor to the 1st floor. The building has an area of 1550 sq.m. and the shed area of 342 sq.m. The Children's Club will operate from 1.00 pm until 8.00 pm, so that various activities are offered to the students, daily study and feeding. It has capacity for 150 students, aged 6-13 years (Primary School Students).
Famagusta.News with information from Phileleftheros