A long‑awaited vision for Larnaca moved into reality on Friday morning, as the municipality and the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) signed an agreement for the construction of the new School of Marine Sciences, Technology and Sustainable Development. The new school will be built in the Mackenzie area, on Turkish Cypriot land leased by the municipality, behind the existing municipal parking area serving the seafront leisure venues. The construction tender is expected to be announced in about one month.
During the signing ceremony at the Larnaca Municipal Art Gallery, CUT rector Panayiotis Zafeiris said the new school brings Larnaca into CUT’s academic network, describing the day as a “major milestone”. He noted that the programmes to be offered in marine sciences and sustainable development are “strategic pillars” for Cyprus’s future. Once fully developed, he added, the school is expected to attract a student body of around 500.
“Larnaca will emerge as an international university city”
CUT board president Andreas Karakatsanis said the aim is to create pioneering academic programmes and attract leading scientists so that “Larnaca can emerge as a university city of international standing”. He described the new school as a “centre of knowledge” that will showcase the sea as a pillar of innovation, growth and sustainability.
Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanoli called the agreement “an important moment for the academic community of the whole of Cyprus”. She said the school will place Larnaca on a new development trajectory, strengthening the local economy and creating numerous jobs.
A historic achievement for the city
Larnaca mayor Andreas Vyras stressed the historical significance of the day, saying it crowns years of persistent efforts by local stakeholders to secure a public university school for the city. He highlighted the importance of the Cyprus Marine and Maritime Institute (CMMI) being located in Larnaca, noting that without this Centre of Excellence the city would not have been able to host CUT’s new academic school.
“Larnaca is changing and evolving into a modern student city,” Vyras said. “With its operation, the new school is expected to leave its mark on our city’s economy, society and sustainable development. Today opens a new chapter for Larnaca, laying solid foundations for the future.”
Facilities and project details
According to CUT officials, the building will include lecture theatres, classrooms, meeting rooms, staff and student offices, specialised laboratories and advanced IT and remote‑learning infrastructure. The total size of the facilities will be 4,960 square metres of indoor and covered space. The project, with an estimated cost close to €12 million, will be fully funded by CUT.