A €2.88m revamp of the historical centre of Limassol’s Ayia Fyla neighbourhood will get underway next month, satisfying a long-standing demand of residents, Limassol mayor Nicos Nicolaides said on Thurs-day.

Speaking after signing the contracts at Limassol town hall, Nicolaides said the project will change the face of a historical neighbourhood known for its many listed buildings. The project aims to ‘reposition’ the space to serve as a pole of attraction for urban use and give identity to the heart of the neigh-bourhood, making it a point of reference for social interaction.

The project will be financed with national sources by 80 per cent, with Limassol Municipality covering the remainder. It will take 20 months to complete and will cover the wider area south and north of the Church of Panayia Chrysafiliotissa to include among other the paving of the central square, installation of modern lighting and work on the façades of listed buildings.

Also planned is asphalting of the roads, pavement repairs, moving all public utility services under-ground and better traffic management in the wider area.