Akamas infrastructure plans by the Department of Forests aim to improve visitor management, limit unregulated use of the area and enhance safety at the Akamas National Forest Park.
Through a revised design for information and recreation infrastructure, known as “hubs”, the Department of Forests seeks to address shortcomings in visitor organisation and longstanding challenges affecting the management of visitors.
According to Politis, the relevant tender is currently under way and is expected to be completed on September 25. Its terms largely define the framework within which the contractor’s team of architects and engineers will redesign the projects.
Strict restrictions are envisaged for facilities and services including refreshment areas, mobile canteens, sanitary facilities, information points, parking areas and shade structures.
The new approach follows a prolonged period during which the projects and related procedures had effectively been put on hold following reactions to problems and shortcomings in the original design.
Hubs reduced from 14 to 6
Under the revised design, the number of information and recreation hubs will be reduced to 6, compared with the 14 included in the 2021 plan.
Where feasible, each facility will be constructed off-site and assembled on location, with the minimum possible intervention to the natural ground. It will also include all necessary services and electricity infrastructure provided by the Electricity Authority of Cyprus.
The 6 hubs will be located at Aspros Potamos, Avakas, South Lara Bay, Smigies, Baths of Aphrodite and Fontana Amorosa.
Services vary by location
The Department of Forests has proposed specific services and infrastructure for each hub, depending on its location and visitor needs.
At Avakas, a mobile canteen is planned instead of a refreshment area. No equivalent services are planned at Smigies or Fontana Amorosa, where sanitary facilities will also not be provided.
Aspros Potamos
At Aspros Potamos, the existing parking area will be upgraded, with the plans including sanitary facilities, an information point, bicycle parking and a mobile canteen.
A shade structure and shelter will also be created to protect visitors from the sun and rain, along with a stop for vehicles transporting members of the public within the park.
South Lara Bay
At South Lara Bay, parking areas will be developed, alongside bicycle parking and a refreshment area where souvenirs will also be available.
Baths of Aphrodite
At the Baths of Aphrodite, the planned hub infrastructure will be developed to improve visitor services and organisation.
The design forms part of the wider effort to concentrate visitors at organised and manageable points while limiting unregulated use of the area.
Smigies
At Smigies, the hub will include infrastructure designed to improve the organisation and management of visitors, with interventions carried out with the minimum possible impact on the natural environment.
No refreshment area, mobile canteen or sanitary facilities are planned for the area.
Fontana Amorosa
At Fontana Amorosa, the plans provide for a hub aimed at better organising visitor flows and serving the public, within the restrictions imposed to protect the area.
As at Smigies, there will be no refreshment area or mobile canteen, while sanitary facilities are also not planned.
Project expected to be completed in 2028
According to Politis, the estimated cost of each hub is around €180,000, while construction and delivery are expected to take 160 weeks, including summer breaks.
A tender has already been launched for the first phase of the project, which is being implemented through the “THALIA 2021-2027” programme.
The various phases of the project are expected to be completed by 2028.
Also read: Cyprus retirement age enters pension reform debate
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
