This summer opened its doors to the public first part -the commercial part- of a major project for the construction of a new marina in Limassol, Cyprus. The Limassol Marina is an innovative and ambitious project which enhances and enriches both the infrastructure of nautical tourism and the tourism product and simultaneously opens new perspectives not only for the town of Limassol but also for the whole island, Cyprus. Maybe the most important, project in the field of tourism real estate in recent years in Cyprus, with a total cost more than 350 million euros.

In Marina are constructed ​​all the necessary harbour works and buildings and the surrounding area was formed for docking, maintenance and repair more than 660 yachts from small boats to luxury yachts. The project covers a total area of ​​ about 40,000 sq. m, also includes a large number of restaurants, traditional taverns and other commercial and residential units, spaces for cultural activities, recreational and cultural developments. Designed to connect harmoniously with the nature and environment of the historic city centre, the area of the Castle and the old port, the entire project will be completed by the end of 2014.

Local materials are used as the basis of the architecture of buildings, undoubtedly give the whole project a traditional character in harmony with the character of the historic city centre. Located in a central point between Europe and the East this waterfront development project, follows a Mediterranean island style but as well influences from Mediterranean, European and oriental rhythms, that are found throughout the island.

Problems always occur after the construction of large developments, which are not associated with them entirely, but associate with the lack of strategic development of the whole city in order to be able to accommodate such kind of development projects. Problem, such as lack of parking, road transport, public transport, lack of sufficient green space are evident.

I would prefer to see more soft landscaping and planting, which as it is, is very limited. A visible ecological approach, and the use of water elements in the design, would be great.

Image 1: Charterworld.com, (2014). [online] Available at: http:/ /wwwcharterworld.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/Limassol-Marina-aerial_2.jpg [Accessed 10 Aug. 2014].