The project to upgrade the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium used by Anorthosis Famagusta Football Club in Larnaca is on track for implementation, and is expected to begin in 2027, be completed in 2030, and cost a total of €25 million.
The Environmental Authority, before which an Environmental Impact Assessment Study (EIA) was submitted for consideration, has issued a positive opinion on the project, the cost of which will be borne entirely by the state, as announced by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.
The design
According to the design, as analyzed in the Study and in the positive opinion of the Environmental Authority, with the upgrade, the Stadium's capacity will increase to 9,730 spectators compared to 9,800 spectators today, while the playing field will be maintained as is, without any intervention.
Additionally, the existing west stand will be maintained and upgraded with the addition of an additional floor within the existing stadium, while the stands located north, south and east of the playing field will be demolished and new stands will be erected in their place, with modern safety and functionality standards.
At the same time, the existing parking lot, which currently serves approximately 330 vehicles with five parking spaces for the disabled and approximately 10 parking spaces for mopeds, will be maintained, while the construction of an additional parking building within the same area is planned.
After the upgrade, once the Stadium is operational, there will be:
- four parking spaces for buses, (2 on the west side and 2 on the east side),
- an ambulance parking space (west side),
- approximately 250 spaces for private vehicles, of which 27 spaces will be suitable for people with disabilities, five for electric cars and an additional 50 spaces for mopeds, in accordance with the applicable urban planning and accessibility provisions.
The basic building and functional surfaces
It is noted that after the completion of the upgrade works, the stadium will continue to operate as a sports facility, as it does today, with improved infrastructure to serve 9,730 spectators, athletes and staff, while no expansion of the development is planned beyond the existing limits.
Based on the design, the basic building and functional surfaces of the stadium will include:
- a football field (natural turf playing area): 8,635 sq.m.
- changing rooms and athletes' areas
- referees' locker rooms (along with restrooms)
- offices and administrative spaces
- fan areas
- media spaces
- first aid room
- shops and auxiliary facilities
- canteens (including storage areas)
- clinic
- public restrooms
The Environmental Authority's view
According to its opinion, the Environmental Authority has no objection to the operation of the project under the terms and conditions. Additionally, the Environmental Authority, based on article 24(5) of the Law, lists the main reasons why a further Environmental Impact Assessment Study is not required.
Specifically, the reasons are the following:
- Project characteristics: The application concerns the granting of a Planning Permit for the modification and upgrade of existing sports facilities at the A' Category football stadium of the Anorthosis Sports Club, "Antonis Papadopoulos" located in the Larnaca District.
The proposed project will serve 9,730 spectators, athletes and staff. After the upgrade, the stadium will have: four parking spaces for buses, one parking space for an ambulance, approximately 250 spaces for private vehicles, of which 27 spaces will be suitable for disabled people, five spaces for electric cars and an additional 50 spaces for mopeds.
- Project location: The proposed project will be implemented within the plot with number 69 of the cadastral plan 40/48W2, section 02 which falls within the urban planning Zone Aa1 in which, among other things, the construction of stadiums is permitted, and within the urban planning zone Eb5 - central functions zone. In addition, within the plot with No. 28 of the cadastral plan 40/48W2, section 01 which falls within the residential Urban Planning Zone Ka4.
- Type and characteristics of potential impacts: No significant environmental impacts are expected from the operation of the project under the terms and conditions set by the Authority.
(Source: InBusinessNews)
