Multi-storey residential complex overlooking the Ayia Napa Marina, family homes with connections to the marina, and 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 April. The revised spatial plan has been evaluated in the Environmental Impact Assessment Study (MEEP) which is located before the Department of Environment.
The study has not yet been reviewed as an environmental impact assessment is pending, which was deemed necessary to carry out since the proposed project is part of the Nature 2000 protected network. This report, although expected to show serious effects on fauna and habitat in the area, it is estimated that it will not be negative in order to safeguard the public interest.
The relevant study has 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 western end of Ayia Napa, in a thin coastal strip of land between the church of Agia Thekla and the Makronisos peninsula. The project is a series of proposed developments, which are part of the government's overall strategy to promote maritime tourism in Cyprus.
The contract for the design, construction, financing, operation and transfer of the marina has been awarded to MM Makronisos Marina Ltd by the Ministry of Commerce following a tender. The lease signed on April 27, 2012 is valid for 53 years.
The residential development will consist of villas and a multi-storey residential complex and will be leased for a period of 125 years. On the first floor will be the marina club with public pubs on the ground floor. 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. The land area of the marina will be 161.989 sq.m. It will also include commercial and residential developments with a total area of 42.380 sq.m., administration offices of 2.000 sq.m. and 956 car parking spaces. The cost of the marina, which will be the official port of entry into the Republic of Cyprus, will be around € 220 million. The marina will include a public pedestrian street and will be designed to withstand waves of 5,5 meters with a recovery period of 100 years.
The first marina development plan was prepared by HDR and submitted in 2010. The marina design was based on market demand for the period and the design strategy was based on preliminary technical assumptions for coastal and environmental conditions. prevail in the area.
However, recent changes in the economy and market demand have resulted in the development of a new spatial plan for the Ayia Napa Marina, prepared by the Smith Group JJR.
A series of studies were prepared by the project team and various models were used. The results showed that some adjustments to the original design were necessary to ensure the stability of the breakwater, the efficiency of the project and the economic feasibility.
Prior to the revised zoning plan, extensive consultations took place between the project team and the Ministry of Commerce's marina management committee.
The environmental impact assessment aims to assess the potential impacts on the natural and human environment that will result from the development of the marina.
All short-term and long-term, direct and indirect, but also cumulative effects that will occur during the construction and operation of the project will be evaluated and the appropriate mitigation measures will be proposed. The complete study will be presented to the Environmental Impact Assessment Committee and will serve as a tool to support the company in securing the required planning permission and all other relevant approvals.
The environmental impact assessment has identified the effects on the natural and man-made / structured environment resulting from the construction and operation of the Ayia Napa marina. At the same time, measures have been proposed to prevent, reduce and, where possible, offset the adverse effects on the environment.
The general framework and guidelines for the development of project waste management and environmental monitoring plans have also been developed. The majority of side effects will occur during the construction phase of the project and will arise mainly from site clearing activities, excavation and earthmoving work, dredging and backfilling work and the construction of breakwaters.
The environmental aspects that may undergo the most significant changes are the coastal landscape of the area, the adjacent marine water resources and the terrestrial and marine ecosystems. The implementation of the marina is expected to have significant positive effects on the socio-economic environment, both locally and nationally. 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.
Artificial island for protection from the waves
Design changes were also made to better protect the marina.
Changes include jetties, an artificial beach and an island. The east and south breakwaters protect the marina from storms, and allow better circulation and improved water quality inside the marina.
The creation of an artificial beach is designed to effectively protect the marina from the waves and to provide an improved habitat near the coast, as well as additional leisure opportunities for the residents.
An artificial island will be created at the western end of the marina to help stabilize the beach and provide an additional recreation area.
Yacht yard
The marina yard includes modern yacht repair and maintenance facilities of all sizes which cruise in the eastern Mediterranean and currently use the services offered by the marinas of Lebanon and Turkey.
The yard will be equipped with a 300 ton hoist to be able to serve larger boats.
Aim for the blue flag
The specifications required for the award of the "Blue Flag" award Eco Label will seek to meet at least the marina of Ayia Napa. The Blue Flag is a voluntary program aimed at improving conditions on shores and marinas based on their compliance with criteria covering water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management and safety and other services.