Larnaca development projects are accelerating rapidly in Oroklini, Livadia and Pyla, with licensing applications this year reported to be more than double compared to 2025, according to the president of the Larnaca District Local Government Organisation.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, Angelos Chatzicharalambous said the three municipal districts are experiencing intense residential and tourism-driven growth, prompting the organisation to strengthen its inspection and licensing teams.
Applications more than double year-on-year
“It is a fact that Oroklini, as well as Livadia and Pyla, are areas where very strong development is being observed,” Chatzicharalambous said, noting that applications for housing, hotels and residential complexes are more than twice last year’s levels.
He added that the organisation has taken the growth seriously, reinforcing staffing in these areas in order to cope with the increased volume of applications and the new regulatory demands.
Growth expected to continue beyond the short term
According to Chatzicharalambous, the surge in development is not expected to be temporary.
“We anticipate that this increased activity will continue in the coming years and will not be limited to a short period,” he said, adding that all necessary preparatory actions have already been taken to ensure the authority can respond effectively.
Wide range of developments under review
Applications currently under examination cover a broad spectrum of projects, including tourism developments, housing, office complexes and land subdivisions.
Chatzicharalambous also expressed hope that future applications would include healthcare-related projects such as small hospitals and medical centres, stressing that balanced development must include essential infrastructure.
Need for infrastructure alongside construction
He underlined that sustainable growth requires parallel investment in infrastructure, including schools, universities, medical centres and rehabilitation facilities.
“We hope that during 2026 and the years that follow we will see these kinds of developments as well, but infrastructure must go hand in hand with construction,” he said.
Possible expansion of residential zones
Asked whether new residential zones are being considered in Oroklini, Chatzicharalambous said zoning changes have already been examined at community level and are expected to be submitted to the Planning Council within 2026.
He explained that expanding residential zones is necessary to address high demand, warning that a lack of available plots inevitably drives prices sharply higher.
“Zone expansion would allow land to become available, helping growth to be absorbed more smoothly by the market and keeping costs under control,” he said.
Renovations and hotel conversions on the rise
The president of the organisation also confirmed that applications include renovations and changes of use for existing buildings, including older hotels and structures being converted into new tourist units.
“There is a mix of applications before us, but overall demand for tourist accommodation remains strong,” he noted.
Local plan integration and road infrastructure
Chatzicharalambous said a preliminary discussion has taken place regarding the inclusion of Oroklini, Livadia and Pyla in the Larnaca Local Plan, describing this as a “natural evolution” given that all three areas already fall within Larnaca’s municipal boundaries.
On infrastructure, he said the third phase of the Larnaca–Dhekelia coastal road is nearing completion, despite minor delays. Once finished, it is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and upgrade the wider area, although further road projects will still be required.
Sewerage and water network upgrades planned
He also referred to progress on the sewerage system covering Aradippou and the municipal districts of Livadia, Oroklini and Pyla, which is currently at the evaluation stage. The appointment of a consultant is expected in the coming months, with construction contracts targeted within the next two years.
In addition, a €3 million tender will be launched in Oroklini for the replacement of large sections of the ageing water supply network, with the tender expected to be announced in the coming months.
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