Vandals have used an angle grinder to cut chains at a Larnaca beach in the Mackenzie area, creating a way through so they can park almost at the water’s edge.
This has happened three times, according to Larnaca Municipality, which is trying to find solutions to tackle the lawlessness seen at the beach.
Those responsible are exploiting the space around an abandoned building, left unused for almost a decade, once advertised as part of a major investment that never got off the ground.
The seafront building, now covered in graffiti, has now also been taken over by those parking illegally on the beach.
This may be the area with the most parking spaces in Larnaca. But beyond the beach itself, some also park on pavements, mainly next to the Immigration and Aliens Service buildings, making access almost impossible for people with disabilities.
Larnaca Mayor Andreas Vyras said a large chain had been installed at the beach three times, and that some had cut it with an angle grinder and broken the locks. He pointed out that the beach cannot be closed off in any other way, since there must be access for ambulances and the municipality’s Cleaning Department. He added that a complaint would be filed with police and the chain would be reinstalled.
At this stage, he said, instructions have been given to traffic police to fine anyone parking illegally on the sand.
Asked what would happen to the abandoned building, he said that if the owner does not proceed with developing it, the Larnaca District Local Government Organisation (DLGO) will have to issue a demolition order.
Philenews also contacted the DLGO president Angelos Hadjicharalambous, who said the building had received approval from the Exceptions Board, valid until June 19, 2026. He said that period had expired without a permit being issued, and that the file also contains a letter from the architect withdrawing the latest plans.
“It is essentially an illegal building,” Hadjicharalambous said, adding that the DLGO would proceed with enforcement. He said the owners would be asked to either demolish the building or begin licensing procedures.
The investment in the area was announced on August 5, 2016. Under the slogan “the diamond of Larnaca,” the Castle Project was presented for the seaside plot. The first phase was to include a multi-restaurant complex, cafés and a beach bar, followed by a super-luxury 13-storey hotel on the opposite side.
The project also included the “crown diamond,” an artificial island shaped like Cyprus, reachable from the beachfront restaurants via a large pier.