The transfer of the marina of Ayia Napa to the west and more specifically to the beach of Agia Thekla is being studied by the Council of Ministers after the continuous wreck of attracting investors for the construction of a marina in the area of Ayia Napa. The Government hopes that with the transfer of the marina further west, a suitable ground is created for the construction of a marina within the limits that will be able to receive cruise ships, due to the increased natural depth of the beach of Agia Thekla. This fact is important because the attraction of cruise ships in free Famagusta is directly related to the tourist progress and the future of the region.
The choice of the beach of Agia Thekla was guided by the existence of the rocky island which will function as a natural breakwater, while further dredging of the beach is considered necessary for the creation of the marina, which will extend to Poseidon beach.
The Sotiras Municipal Council will appeal to justice
It is reported that with the unveiling of the plan last Monday, the Municipal Council instructed a legal advisor to file a lawsuit against the Council of Ministers for the unacceptable and destructive, as they characterize it, decision. "This decision, according to the Municipal Council, destroys not only the historic beach of Sotira, which it turns into a port, but also destroys the projects that the Municipality created with so much effort in its coastal area." Nevertheless, after the relevant opinion requested by the Attorney General, it seems that the Municipality is nearing completion, since the decision of the Council of Ministers is considered taken.
Multi-storey complexes in designs
Multi-storey residential complex overlooking the marina of Sotira, family homes with connections to the marina, even the sea includes the improved and updated plan before the authorities to ensure the viability and sustainability of the proposed project.
The ambition of the investors of the marina, who characterize it as a landmark project, is to start the constructions next September. The revised spatial plan has been evaluated in the Environmental Impact Assessment Study (MEEP) which is located before the Department of Environment.
The area also comes out of Natura 2000
The study has not yet been examined as the assessment of any impact on the environment is pending, which was deemed necessary to be carried out since the proposed project is part of the protected area Nature 2000 network.
This report, despite the fact that it is expected to show serious effects on the fauna and habitat of the area, is estimated not to be negative in order to safeguard the public interest. On the contrary, the Government assures that for the sake of the national interest, the area will be removed from the Natura 2000 project, since there is no reason to participate in this project anymore.
The relevant study has also included a very detailed analysis of the effects of development in the special protection zone "Agia Thekla - Liopetri area" along with measures to prevent, reduce and compensate.
The MEEP will then be examined to give a positive opinion for the start of work on the large-scale project. The proposed marina will be developed at the eastern end of Sotira, in a thin coastal strip of land between the church of Agia Thekla and Poseidon beach. The project is a series of proposed developments, which are part of the government's overall strategy to promote maritime tourism in Cyprus.
There will also be a restaurant open to both the residents of the marina and the general public. A number of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, spas and other places offering leisure activities are suggested. It will also have a helipad, soccer field, tennis courts, beach volleyball courts, sidewalks, recreation areas, taverns, clubs, green spaces and playgrounds. The total development space will have an area of 291.989 sq.m.
It is worth noting that the Government does not have the existing restaurant "Nissaki", which may mean that the restaurant that has been completed this year by Sotiras City Hall, will be forced to be demolished, for the sake of the planned development by the Government.
The land area of the marina will be 461.989 sq.m. It will also include commercial and residential developments with a total area of 142.380 sq.m., administration offices of 4.000 sq.m. and 1956 car parking spaces. The cost of the marina, which will be the official port of entry into the Republic of Cyprus, will be around € 420 million.
The marina will include a public sidewalk and will be designed to withstand 7,5 meters high waves with a recovery period of 200 years.
Among the key benefits are increased income prospects and employment opportunities in the construction, shipping, tourism, leisure and trade sectors. Taking into account the current economic climate in Cyprus, the environmental impact study team supports its implementation and points out that it will bring the necessary impetus to the local economy, with the relative benefits outweighing the environmental costs of development.
SotiraNews
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