The flagship Horizon Towers – Riviera Living development planned for Larnaca's emerging waterfront district has taken a significant step forward after securing a planning permit for its first phase.
The project is set to be built within the new coastal zone created following the relocation of the refinery and petroleum and LPG storage facilities from the area.
The permit covers the first phase of the development, which will be constructed behind the former Larnaca refinery on land within the Livadia municipal district.
The development plots fall within the Former Refineries Area Plan and adjoin the former refinery facilities, which are currently managed by the Cyprus Petroleum Storage Company (KETAP).
The site is located just 400 metres from the northern beachfront, including the area of the former fuel terminal, and less than two kilometres from Larnaca Port and Marina.
The project has been submitted through two separate applications, named Horizon Tower 1 and Horizon Tower 2.
According to a statement from the development consortium SLK Development – Sajrawi Leibovich Karekla, the planning permit was issued by the Larnaca District Local Government Organisation (EOA Larnaca) on 31 July, while construction works in the Livadia area have already commenced.
The first phase includes two 20-storey residential towers containing a total of 198 luxury residences.
According to the consortium's plans, the completed development will eventually comprise 530 homes.
The masterplan also includes a six-storey building housing restaurants, cafes, modern office space and a luxury spa.
'The beginning of a diverse development'
Commenting on the approval, Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director Charalambos Andreou told Politis that the project would significantly upgrade the entire former refinery area.
He noted that the district had remained constrained and degraded for decades because of the operation of the industrial and potentially hazardous facilities.
"In essence, this marks the start of development in the former refinery area," he said.
"It will be the beginning of a diverse form of development, which the entire area has desperately needed."
Lumina Mare progressing
At the same time, construction continues at a rapid pace on Lumina Mare, the second major project being developed by SLK Development in the new Larnaca Marina district.
In a written statement, consortium chief executive and director Rober Sajrawi said the granting of the planning permit marked the transformation of the company's vision into reality.
"We are not simply developing landmark projects. We are investing in the future of an entire city," he said.
Mr Sajrawi added that the company's objective is to help create a modern ecosystem capable of attracting investment, innovation, entrepreneurship and new employment opportunities.
According to information obtained by Politis, SLK Development also intends to develop additional plots within Larnaca's tourism zone in the future.
Among them is the site of the former Beau Rivage seaside hotel in the Pyla tourist area, which has remained undeveloped for many years.
