July 8, 2025
On Tuesday, 08/07/2025, under the auspices of Larnaca Municipality, the inauguration ceremonies of the co-funded projects “Creation of Salina Municipal Park” and “Centre for Creative Engagement ” took place in the presence of the President of the Republic, the Ministers of Interior, Transport and Agriculture, the Mayor of Larnaca, other officials, and a large number of citizens. The ceremonies were preceded by a blessing conducted by Metropolitan Nektarios of Kition.
The two projects, with a total budget of €4.5 million, were implemented under the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA 2021–2027”, co-funded by the EU, and form part of a broader strategy for integrated, balanced, and sustainable urban development, promoting social inclusion and human well-being.
The project “Creation of Salina Municipal Park”, with a budget of €3.2 million, is a comprehensive urban intervention that redefines the urban space and provides the heart of Larnaca with a new natural lung of greenery and social interaction. The redesigned park creates a setting with nature, urban design, and the needs of the modern citizen coexist harmoniously.
As for the “Centre for Creative Engagement”, with a budget of €1.3 million, involves the restoration of the former residence of the Chief of Police. The building now assumes a new, vibrant, functional, and socially oriented role. The Cyprus National Addictions Authority, which will operate the Centre in cooperation with the Larnaca Municipality, is transforming the site into a Multi-Purpose Centre for the Creative Engagement of young people and vulnerable groups. In addition to providing services, the Centre aims to actively empower citizens, and in particular the city’s younger generation.
In his address, the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, stated that these projects are tangible examples of a modern European policy that places citizens, cities, and society at its core. “They are proof”, he added, “that when the use of European funds is guided by vision and responsibility, they generate multiple benefits for society.”
The Mayor of Larnaca, Mr. Andreas Vyras, described in his address Salina Municipal Park as the city’s new jewel, combining greenery with modern architecture, leisure, sports, and relaxation. Refering to the Centre for Creative Engagement, he noted that this project is expected to create a modern, multi-dimensional space with a strong social impact.
The ceremony concluded with a festive artistic programme, featuring the Municipal Children’s Philharmonic Orchestra, the Municipal Children’s Choir, a musical performance with improvised instruments, a saxophone recital, painting activities with students, and visual theatre.
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