The Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA) has launched a tender for the granting of a licence to use and operate premises at the Old Port of Limassol, with an estimated value of €4.88 million. 

According to the tender notice, economic operators may submit bids for one or more premises, parts or sections, with the deadline for submissions set for May 8.  

Tenders will be opened on the same day for evaluation. 

The tender, published earlier this month through the Republic of Cyprus’ e-procurement platform e-PPS, concerns a six-year contract due to begin on July 1.

The notice covers three restaurants, one tavern, two snack bars and one bar. 

Located on Limassol’s seafront, the Old Port has long since shifted from its original maritime role to a mixed-use leisure and commercial destination.  

Built in the 1950s under British rule, it operated alongside the port of Famagusta and handled freight and passenger traffic for around two decades. 

Its importance declined after the construction of the new Limassol port in 1973 and, by 1979, it had ceased to play a role in maritime activity. 

A major redevelopment and regeneration project began in 2010 and was completed in 2014, at a cost of €17m. 

The works included the regeneration of the wider area and the construction of 20 buildings covering a total of 5,800 square metres, combining traditional, cultural and commercial uses.  

These include restaurants, snack bars, bars, shops, a fish market, a club, offices of the department of fisheries and marine research, and seven floors of office space totalling around 1,500 square metres. 

The project also included a pedestrian bridge, landscaped outdoor areas with squares and fountains, tree planting, pedestrian walkways, cycle lanes and parking spaces. 

Today, the Old Port of Limassol has become a regular meeting point for locals and tourists alike, while its central square and the indoor multi-purpose hall in the Plevsis building host charitable, cultural, social, musical and sporting events throughout the year.