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€30 Million Investment In Larnaca’s Livadia And Oroklini Promises Transformational Growth

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Dynamic Districts On The Rise

Larnaca is set to experience a significant transformation as projects valued at approximately €30 million are underway or on the horizon in the municipality’s most dynamic districts, Livadia and Oroklini. Mayor Andreas Vyras has emphasized the strategic focus on mature projects and the initiation of new ventures to secure substantial development in these rapidly growing areas.

Strategic Infrastructure And Urban Regeneration

The historic core of Oroklini, a culturally diverse community inhabited by residents from 33 nationalities, is at the forefront of urban regeneration. A €3.5 million restoration project, co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), aims to revitalize several streets in the area renowned for its taverns, galleries, and tourist accommodations. Tenders are expected to be announced soon, with construction slated to commence in 2026.

Simultaneously, the ambitious €17.5 million third phase of the Larnaca–Dhekelia coastal road is progressing, albeit with an anticipated delay of approximately 10 months. This 3.5-kilometer upgrade will expand road capacity with four lanes, enhanced pedestrian amenities, bike paths, green areas, and modern roundabouts, targeting completion by March 2026.

Overcoming Development Challenges

Amid these advancements, local authorities continue to address challenges. The extension of Oroklini’s coastal pedestrian walkway has stalled due to objections stemming from unauthorized property expansion into a protected area. Mayor Vyras indicated that legal action may be pursued if a compromise is not reached.

Additional initiatives include the renovation of three parks, the upgrade of lighting at both the Oroklini stadium and the Park of Europe, as well as preliminary design work for a 1,000-seat amphitheatre and a multipurpose sports hall. In Livadia, the lifting of industrial restrictions has paved the way for a €3 million regeneration of the district’s core, with improvements planned along Makariou Avenue and in the underground services and landscaping.

Urgent Infrastructure And Safety Concerns

Deputy Mayor Marios Armenis outlined further projects in Livadia such as the reconstruction of Ayia Paraskevi Park, redevelopment of the central square of Ayias Paraskeyis, and the expansion of the Kalamourgiki Memorial Museum. Additionally, work on an environmental park and a new regional primary school is progressing, alongside smaller projects including park refurbishments, new bus shelters, and road paving efforts.

Among the most pressing issues remains the extension of Panagouli Avenue, a road of primary importance that has languished since 2009 despite escalating traffic demands near key educational institutions. With an estimated cost of €12 million and an anticipated start date not expected before 2028, Armenis warns that continued delays pose significant risks to public safety and infrastructure efficacy.

A Call For Coordinated Investment

Both Livadia and Oroklini are undergoing rapid expansion that outpaces their existing infrastructure. Local officials and residents alike are urging the central government to align funding with the pace of urban growth, ensuring that the momentum of these strategic investments translates into sustainable, long-term benefits for the community.

Mercedes-Benz Posts Higher Profit Despite China Slowdown

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Mercedes-Benz reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, lifting its shares on Tuesday despite mounting pressure from Chinese automakers and a weaker outlook for sales and revenue.

The earnings provided a boost for Europe’s auto sector, where manufacturers continue to grapple with tariffs, softer demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all accelerated restructuring efforts in response.

Cost Discipline Lifts Quarterly Profit

Mercedes-Benz shares rose as much as 5.9% following the results before trimming gains to trade 3.5% higher by 1118 GMT. The company reaffirmed its profit margin guidance for its core passenger car business after reporting an adjusted return on sales of 4.0% for the second quarter, above market expectations and within its 3% to 5% target range.

“In an environment where some automakers are ringing alarm bells on their competitive positioning, Mercedes delivered a clear and confident message,” Morningstar analyst Rella Suskin said.

Second-quarter operating profit increased 22% to €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion), despite a 3% decline in revenue. Lower administrative and research and development costs, together with strong performances from the financial services and vans divisions, supported earnings, while the results also included a €131 million gain related to the planned sale of leasing subsidiary Athlon.

China Remains The Key Pressure Point

Despite stronger profitability, Mercedes continues to face a challenging market environment. Sales in China fell 30% during the second quarter, prompting the company to abandon earlier expectations for stable car sales and group revenue. It now expects both to decline slightly from a year earlier.

BMW also lowered its outlook in June following a deeper-than-expected slowdown in China, highlighting the pressure facing Germany’s premium carmakers. At the same time, Mercedes said Chinese manufacturers are increasingly expanding into European markets, although Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said their focus remains on higher-volume segments rather than the premium market.

“But that is not a reason to sit back and be relaxed,” he said.

Manufacturing Shift Continues

Mercedes is also reshaping its manufacturing footprint. The company said its German factories will undergo a more aggressive push toward leaner production, although it declined to provide further details while talks with labour representatives continue. Production is also being expanded in lower-cost Eastern European locations, including Hungary, where the company is increasing capacity at its Kecskemet plant, as well as in Poland.

Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said the full-year margin for the passenger car division is expected to come in at the lower end of the company’s guidance range, reflecting a higher share of electric vehicle sales in Europe, which remain more expensive to produce and continue to weigh on profitability.

“We must continue to work flat out to reduce costs so that we can remain competitive on the prices of our products,” Kaellenius said.

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