A €2.6 million park development at Larnaca’s salt lakes will proceed after being frozen for 15 years, with the Department of Environment and Larnaca Municipality launching an architectural competition for the project.
The Salt Lakes Park will cover more than 40,000 square metres, including the site of former leprosy hospital buildings that will be demolished, to showcase the city’s most important natural resource. The Environmental Information Centre will serve as the project’s focal point for Cyprus’s most significant wetland habitat.
Environmental information centre to anchor 40,000 sqm development
Larnaca Municipality recently announced the architectural competition with a €245,000 budget, requiring submissions by 15 December. The Environmental Information Centre and surrounding area will occupy approximately 15,000 square metres of the total development area of 41,227 square metres.
The site includes state forest land that forms part of the Alykes State Forest, leased from the Department of Forests to the Department of Environment through a Cabinet decision on 14 September 2022. A separate section for parking has been leased to Larnaca Municipality.
The development area falls within the Natura 2000 protected area around the Saint Charalambos Shelter site, which has been abandoned for years and subjected to illegal dumping by opportunists who continue to dispose of rubbish in the area.
Architectural competition opens with December deadline
According to an Environmental Impact Assessment prepared by an environmental planning consultancy for Larnaca Municipality, the project divides into Full Development and Mild Development zones.
The Environmental Information Centre building facilities will be located within the Full Development Zone covering approximately 1,800 square metres.
The remaining leased area of approximately 13,200 square metres has been designated as a Mild Development Zone and, combined with the remaining area, will form an organised park integrated into the Natura 2000 protected area.
The Salt Lakes Park will include interventions to highlight the Natura 2000 area through pathways, viewing points, benches and information boards for recreation and environmental education purposes.
Outdoor facilities include bird-watching areas and educational spaces
According to competition terms, designers must apply environmental conditions for the surrounding area development.
The design includes an outdoor space for educational and recreational purposes with unified shelter protection from weather conditions and direct access to the existing path around the salt lakes.
A bird-watching area will be specially designed for wildlife observation in the wetland, accommodating visitor groups of 5-7 people. Vehicle parking spaces for the Environmental Information Centre will number at least 25, including spaces for disabled access and 15 bicycle parking spaces.
The Salt Lakes Park organisation will mark one of the main access points to the salt lake path whilst facilitating access to both the Environmental Information Centre and the Saint Charalambos chapel.
The area’s redevelopment must create a green lung and point for recreation, exercise, relaxation and social interaction.
The Environmental Information Centre will showcase the area’s ecological and environmental character whilst hosting educational programmes for different visitor groups.
Exhibits will be created and displayed relating to ecological, environmental and cultural elements, including the Kamares aqueduct, of the protected area.
The building will include a shop and ticket office near the building entrance for easy visitor access, featuring a photograph hanging system for displaying visual material or artwork related to the Environmental Information Centre or salt lakes area.
A projection and lecture hall will feature amphitheatre seating ensuring comfortable viewing for visitors during screenings of short informational films about the Environmental Information Centre and the salt lakes’ natural environment.
The environmental education room will serve different educational activity needs with modern technological means supporting the educational process through multimedia and remote communication.
The exhibition hall will create an impressive environment incorporating the nature and culture of the salt lakes, emphasising the connection between natural landscape and activities and exhibits. Exhibits will integrate into the architectural shell as a unified language, allowing visitors to harmonise with the salt lakes location.
The permanent exhibition will include natural rocks, geological findings, glass protective display cases, natural and digital ecosystem representations, information and audiovisual material about the area and salt lake flora and fauna, plus interactive panels and applications enhancing visitor interaction with exhibits.
A laboratory will support practical activities and research programmes related to the natural environment, biodiversity and sustainable development.
The library will provide study and information space where visitors can access printed and digital materials, including books, magazines and electronic sources related to environment, biodiversity, local cultural heritage and sustainable development.
Additionally, offices for Department of Environment staff and a cafeteria with outdoor dining are planned.