The Mayor of Limassol, Yiannis Armeftis, on Thursday, October 29, at the 8th Conference on Sustainable Mobility and Intelligent Transportation Systems, held at the Conference Center in Nicosia.
According to a press release from the Municipality, in his presentation titled “Revitalization of the Urban Environment in the Neighborhoods of Limassol,” Mr. Armeftis highlighted the importance of integrated urban planning that connects neighborhoods, green spaces, public squares, and sustainable mobility infrastructure, with a focus on people and quality of life.
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As he pointed out, Limassol’s development gains real value when it translates into tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives and when its benefits reach every neighborhood.
The five key pillars of Limassol’s urban revitalization, he said, involve reconnecting the city with the waterfront via Aktia Road, the new sustainable mobility network with the “Green Routes,” the redevelopment of Agia Sofia Street and the connection of the Garylli Linear Park to the sea, the continuation of Phases B and C of the redevelopment of the historic center of Agia Fyla, and the upgrading of public squares and parks.
Specifically, regarding the Coastal Road, following the completion of the first temporary pedestrian and bicycle route from Limassol Marina to Alexandrias Street, the design is focused on completing the temporary connection to the new port and promoting the overall redevelopment through an architectural competition and the necessary studies. “The goal is to create a continuous waterfront with green spaces, safe walking and biking paths, and sports and recreation areas, which will strengthen the connection between the western neighborhoods and the sea and create new opportunities for the area,” said the Mayor of Limassol during his presentation.
Regarding the “Green Routes,” Mr. Armeftis noted that the plan calls for the creation of a unified network, approximately 20 kilometers long, aimed at connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks, commercial areas, and the waterfront. The project, he continued, is based on the principles of the “15-minute city” and seeks to offer residents safe and attractive options for daily travel on foot and by bicycle. At the same time, he noted, it incorporates urban green spaces, shade, and microclimate improvements, contributing to environmental enhancement and strengthening the city’s resilience to climate change. He also pointed out that the implementation of the “Green Corridors” will proceed gradually, through the necessary studies and coordination with the relevant agencies.
In addition, Yiannis Armeftis mentioned that another major project being promoted by the Municipality involves the upgrade of Agia Sofia Street and the creation of a new green corridor that will connect the Garyllis Linear Park with the waterfront. The plan calls for the improvement of 5.1 kilometers of roads and sidewalks, the creation of a 2.55-kilometer-long bike path, the planting of 260 new trees, and the creation of 569 square meters of new green spaces. He noted that the project aims to improve road safety, enhance accessibility, and create a more friendly and attractive urban environment by connecting the city’s existing green infrastructure with new sustainable transportation options.
Mr. Armeftis also referred to the effort to revitalize the historic center of Agia Fyla, with the goal of upgrading public spaces and preserving the area’s unique historical and cultural identity. As he explained, following the completion of the first phase, the final design for the second phase is currently underway, while the third phase of the project is also being planned. The design includes improving access, reorganizing public spaces, enhancing landscaping, and highlighting elements of collective memory, with the aim of creating a revitalized historic core that will preserve its character and identity while meeting the modern needs of residents.
Regarding the revitalization of public squares and parks, he emphasized that the Municipality is investing in an extensive program of improvements covering neighborhoods throughout Limassol. Specifically, the Municipality is promoting a program to upgrade 33 public squares, while simultaneously moving forward with the design of 24 parks and squares, with the goal of creating a new generation of public spaces that will meet residents’ needs and be based on shared principles of functionality, aesthetics, safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability. In total, he noted, more than 120 public squares and parks are currently undergoing upgrades and redesigns.
“The projects emphasize the enhancement of urban green spaces, the creation of shaded areas for rest and recreation, upgrading pathways and urban infrastructure, as well as ensuring safe access for everyone, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities,” said Mr. Armeftis, adding that “the goal is for parks and squares to serve as vibrant gathering places and hubs of social activity, making a substantial contribution to the quality of life and social cohesion of neighborhoods.”
Concluding his presentation, the Mayor emphasized that these initiatives, despite their varying scales and stages of implementation, are part of a unified strategy for the future of Limassol.
The Municipality’s goal, he continued in his speech, is to transition from individual projects to a comprehensive and cohesive plan, in which public spaces, green corridors, and sustainable mobility infrastructure will function as a unified whole for the benefit of residents.
At the same time, he emphasized that the implementation of these initiatives requires proper planning and close cooperation between the Limassol Municipality, the relevant ministries, government agencies, and all stakeholders.
With this strategy, the Limassol Municipality aims to create a greener, more accessible, safer, and more people-friendly, where revitalization will reach every neighborhood and be felt in citizens’ daily lives, he added.
Source: CNA
