The Nea Salamina stadium is expected to be transformed into a modern football stadium following the upgrades that will be carried out with the aim of fully covering the venue's modern operational, competitive and social needs, as well as improving the experience and safety of fans.
The Environmental Authority has approved, among other things, the additions and modifications to stands and the addition of new stands and sports areas.
The Nea Salamina stadium, known as 'Famagusta Stadium - Epistrofi', is located within the urban fabric of the city of Larnaca. The stadium, on a plot of 19,226 sq m, is situated along Giannos Kranidiotis Avenue, in an area with mixed land use, where sports facilities and residences coexist
As stated in the environmental report, the football stadium was built in 1992 and has been operating to this day as the temporary home of the Nea Salamina Football Club. Due to the lack of available alternative space for the relocation of the stadium, it is deemed necessary to upgrade it, with the aim of transforming it into a modern football stadium. This upgrade aims to fully meet modern operational, competitive and social needs, as well as to improve the experience and safety of fans.
According to the environmental impact assessment study, the estimated cost of the project amounts to approximately €16 million. It is worth noting that the upgrade of the facilities of the Nea Salamina stadium will be carried out with funds provided for in the budget of the Cyprus Sports Organisation (CSO) for the years 2026 - 2028.
The project will begin after the necessary permits are obtained. The project is scheduled to be completed in two years and will be carried out in four phases.
According to the project design, which is extensively referenced in the Department of Environment's opinion report, the main interventions that will be carried out as part of the additions and modifications include:
Upgrading seat capacity
The new capacity of the stadium will be 6091 seats, while 40 seats for people with disabilities are also planned. It is worth noting that all seats will be covered and will have an unobstructed view of the entire playing field.
The new stadium capacity per stand:
Central: 2,432 (from 2,231)
South: 1,482 (from 1,526)
Northwest: 1,360
Northeast: 817 (up from 300)
Total: 6,091 (from 4,050).
The playing field will have dimensions of 105 × 68 meters. A perimetre safety zone of at least four meters is foreseen around the lines of the field, for reasons of player and spectator safety, as well as for the smooth operation of the facilities and television coverage.
Creating shelter
The canopy will be developed within the contour of the stands, while its construction does not entail additional large-scale excavations. The interventions will include accompanying electromechanical installations (e.g. lighting, rainwater drainage). According to the project design, the stadium canopy will be equipped with photovoltaic panels of appropriate capacity to cover part of the project's energy needs from RES. The dimensioning of the capacity of the photovoltaic panels will be carried out at a later stage of the project design.
Renovation of locker rooms, medical areas and referee areas
The renovations will be carried out in accordance with UEFA specifications. These interventions are limited to the existing structures. Specifically, the two existing team locker rooms of approximately 100 sq m each with showers and toilets, the referees' locker room of approximately 20 sq m and the players' medical room and anti-doping room will be renovated.
Construction of VIP rooms and hospitality areas
According to the project design, it is planned to create a total of 375 VIP seats and a VIP lounge with bar/hospitality, while access to the VIP areas will be via a separate entrance.
Creation of suitable facilities for the media, including control rooms, press offices, television broadcasting booths and coverage positions, with the necessary electromechanical and telecommunications infrastructure (Media & Broadcasting).
According to the project design, the creation of a press area with office spaces and electricity/internet facilities, a post-match conference area, camera positions at a specific height and angle (TV platforms), the provision of a TV compound (area with access to satellite vans) and commentary positions with facilities is planned.
Installation of new field lighting
The installation of the new lighting will be carried out according to the necessary intensities (>1200 lux), uniformly throughout the stadium and will ensure a distribution of brightness across the entire surface of the stadium, in accordance with the specifications for television broadcasting. The system will consist of modern high-performance luminaires, with an emphasis on energy efficiency, glare control and the reduction of light pollution. In addition, the installation of a backup power supply system with generators and an emergency lighting system is planned.
Installation of a sound coverage system and electronic display board
The intervention includes the installation of a modern sound coverage system for announcements and competition events, as well as the installation of an electronic display board (scoreboard/video wall) for the projection of match information and visual material. The system will be designed to ensure adequate and uniform coverage of the area, with controlled noise levels and compliance with applicable technical and environmental requirements. The works are limited to superstructure and electromechanical equipment installations, without expanding the building volume of the stadium.
Upgrading of sanitary facilities and supporting public service facilities
The aim of this upgrade is to improve functionality, hygiene and accessibility. The works include replacing sanitary ware, improving plumbing and electrical installations, upgrading lighting and ventilation, as well as providing infrastructure for people with disabilities (including toilet facilities). The interventions are carried out within the existing spaces, without increasing the built volume.
Ensuring access for people with disabilities with ramps, elevators and specially designed seats in the stands
The goal is to fully comply with accessibility and safety standards, ensuring unobstructed access and comfortable viewing of the matches.
Reorganisation of parking areas and entrances, with separation of flows (fans, VIPs, journalists, teams) to ensure unhindered and safe access, reduction of overcrowding and smooth operation during matches or events. Interventions include markings, traffic routes and appropriate configuration of entrances/exits.
Regarding the stadium parking spaces, it is planned to create 106 parking spaces within the development, of which 15 are for people with disabilities, and 181 parking spaces outside the development, in the area surrounding the stadium, on Ptolemaidos Street. The parking spaces within the plot under study will be formed in the northwestern part on two levels. In total, 287 parking spaces are planned for the project, of which 15 are for disabled people. The auxiliary field of the stadium is currently located in this area.
Upgraded perimetre security with CCTV systems in all public areas, fencing and controlled entrances. In addition, a ticketing system with barcode scanners and a turnstile entrance will be installed, while signs and markings for prohibited items will be placed at each entrance.
The above works are expected to be carried out in four phases, the duration of which will be carried out over a period of approximately 24 months. Below is presented the duration of each phase and the main works included in each phase.
Phase A, duration 15 months: This phase includes works on the northeast stand, where a VIP room and hospitality areas will be constructed, as well as new press galleries. It is recalled that an extension to an additional floor is planned for the VIP area, utilizing the existing space without increasing the footprint on the ground. The extension will be of metal construction and will be designed in accordance with the applicable structural and static requirements, in order to ensure the safety and functionality of the stadium
Phase B, duration 20 months: This phase includes work on the central stand of the stadium, which includes the construction of a canopy, the extension of the stand, the upgrading of the sanitary facilities and supporting public service facilities, etc.
Phase C, duration 15 months: This phase includes work on the northeast stand of the stadium, which includes the construction of a canopy, the replacement of seats, etc.
Phase D, duration 15 months: This phase includes work on the northwest side of the stadium with the construction of the new grandstand with a capacity of 1360 seats and parking areas.
(Soure: InBusinessNews)
