Breaking news

Larnaca Reopens Pattichio Park After €6.6 Million Upgrade

by News Editor

Larnaca’s Pattichio Municipal Park has reopened to the public following an extensive upgrade that added new walking and cycling routes, viewing points, a playground and a botanical garden.

The largest park in Larnaca by area was handed back to residents several days ago, after construction began in October 2023. The project was delayed by eight months, mainly following changes to the original plans after residents called for less concrete and greater protection of the natural environment.

A New Connection With The Salt Lake

The redesign aims to strengthen the relationship between the park, visitors and the nearby salt lake wetland.

One of the main additions is a circular elevated footbridge around the existing amphitheatre. The structure creates a walking route through the trees at canopy level, as well as a new viewing area that has already become a popular spot for watching the sunset.

Two additional viewing points overlook the salt lake, while new pedestrian and cycling routes, landscaping and information signs have been introduced.

New Facilities And Improved Access

Visitors can now use a café-restaurant, playground and botanical garden featuring aromatic plants. Existing infrastructure has also been upgraded, including walkways, entrances, lighting, fencing and street furniture.

New parking spaces and toilets have been added, while accessibility has been improved for pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities.

The nearby Pattichio Amphitheatre has also received new seating, alongside permanent 24-hour security patrols.

“Users, residents and visitors alike, will be able to exercise, socialise, attend cultural events and take in, from viewing points, the salt lake and the broader natural beauty of the area surrounding Pattichio Park,” the municipality said.

Official Opening Expected Later This Year

Mayor Andreas Vyras said the public response to the upgraded park had generally been positive. The official opening ceremony is expected to take place in October or November.

The project has a total budget of €6.6 million and is co-funded by the European Union through the THALIA 2021–2027 cohesion policy programme.

Cyprus Has One Of The EU’s Oldest Teaching Workforces

by News Editor

Only 3% of teachers in Cyprus are under 30, putting the country alongside Portugal for the lowest share of young teachers in the European Union, according to a European Commission report. The figure is well below the EU average of 8%, while Malta has the highest proportion at 17%, followed by Belgium and Luxembourg at around 15%.

Cyprus is also the only EU member state identified in the report as having a surplus of teachers, despite the workforce being relatively old.

Older Teachers Remain Highly Satisfied

The teaching profession appears to remain attractive to those already working in it. In 2024, 73% of Cypriot teachers said they were satisfied with their salaries, compared with just 37.3% across the EU. Job satisfaction was also high, reaching 93% in Cyprus versus 90% across the bloc.

The age gap is particularly visible in secondary education, where teachers in Cyprus averaged 46 years old in 2024, compared with 45 across OECD member states. Only 4% were under 30, while 33% were aged 50 or older.

Reform Could Change The System

The findings come as Cyprus moves toward the final stage of its teacher evaluation reform. Until August next year, vacancies will continue to be divided between the old appointment list and the newer system introduced in 2015.

From next September, first-appointment vacancies will be filled exclusively through the new list. The European Commission has meanwhile called for stronger efforts to attract and retain younger teachers, including through better working conditions and greater support for people entering the profession.

eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Uol
Aretilaw firm

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter