By Anna Hassapi
LIMASSOL Municipality yesterday unveiled plans for the transformation of the town’s historic centre and seafront, with a view to revamping the image of these areas, as well as better accommodating citizens’ needs.
This will be done through the overhaul of the town’s centre and sea reclamation area, as well as the creation of Garyllis Linear Park.
“These are ambitious and innovative projects because they aim significantly to alter the appearance of the town’s centre,” said Mayor of Limassol Andreas Christou.
The municipality will work on these projects in co-operation with Town Planning, and most of the funding will be provided by the EU structural funds. The total cost of the three projects will reach €22-24million, 85 per cent of which will be covered by the EU funds.
The municipality yesterday presented the preliminary plans for the town centre and sea reclamation area, while plans for the Garyllis Linear Park are being prepared. The completion of the sea reclamation and town centre projects will take approximately two years, while the third project is expected to start in 2010 and be completed by 2011.
“In June, the plans will be submitted to the government, and we aim to start work by 2009,” Christou added.
The plans for Limassol’s historic centre were based on an Area Plan, the traffic study conducted by Metsovion University for the placement of TEPAK, as well as on the Limassol Local Plan. The main aim of the project is the protection and projection of historic and cultural elements, as well as the town’s architectural heritage.
The project involves the development of a new and improved traffic network, which will encourage walking and the use of public transport, as well as the creation of 600 parking spaces. The town’s public transport network will be significantly improved, while walking will be encouraged through the creation of wider pavements and tile-paved areas
Four new squares will be created at the Mediaeval Castle area, Saripolou Street, University Square near the Town Hall, and the B’ Municipal Market square. The plans also encourage the placement of public service providers in underground sites.
The plans for the seafront area envision the creation of a multi-functional seaside park at the side of the current sea reclamation area. The area will be revamped through the creation of additional services for visitors, including cafes, bicycle lanes, pedestrian walks and a small theatre for cultural events. In addition, more parking spaces and benches will be created along the seafront strip.
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That's the extra parking places taken care of then.!!! :lol:
