From Cyprus Mail - article by Bejay Browne - 11 June 2017
An overhaul of a popular village centre in Paphos is encouraging new businesses to open in the area, while local authorities hope the upgrade will increase visitor numbers.
In recent days, revamped restaurants and bars around the square have re-opened, helping to create a fantastic atmosphere. This is all topped off by a central, colourfully lit water fountain which turns shades of blue, purple, pink and yellow.
A Dutch expat couple living in the area, artist Joep Klinkenbijl and jewellery maker Johanna Bey are opening their new business, an art gallery, studio and gift shop, on the square within days. They said the position is an obvious choice.
“As soon as I saw the plans for the rebuilding, I wanted to open a gallery at Tala Square, as somewhere to display my paintings and also for Johanna to have a base for her jewellery. There is no longer a gallery in Tala and I think it’s important to have one,” the artist told the Sunday Mail.
He said he was enthusiastic about the renovations which he hopes will encourage other new businesses to open in the area.
The painter, who is also a well-known DJ, said that other professional artists will also be invited to exhibit at the new space in the future. “This is a great village and since the revamped eateries have just reopened, the atmosphere here in the evenings is superb,” he said.
According to local councillor, Cathi Delaney, the upgrading works in Tala village come with a 1.5 million euro price tag and are being carried out in two phases. The project has been 70 per cent funded by the government, with the Tala community board paying for the remaining 30 per cent.
Phase 1 of the square was completed before Easter and finished ahead of schedule, taking just eight months instead of 12 months due to a mild winter.
“The aim was to pedestrianise the square and also to modernise and create an attractive focal centre for the village,” she said.
The square now provides an attractive focal point for the village (John Delaney)
“A small kiosk unit has also been created which is available for rent and suitable to operate a Gelateria. Anyone interested should contact Tala council,” she added.
Phase 2 is due to get underway in October and will last for around six months. The road network around the square will be widened where possible, roads will be resurfaced, some roads will be designated as one-way, and additional car parking, including disabled parking, will be created.
“Phase 2 will go out to tender shortly with an anticipated contract period of around six months depending on the weather over the winter period,” said the councillor.
Set in the hills above Paphos town, much of Tala has stunning and commanding views of the Paphos coastline and Mediterranean Sea. “We would like many more people to visit our village and the attractions, as well as spending time at the local restaurants, bars and other businesses. We don’t have a hotel, but there is self-catering accommodation available,” Delaney said.
The village welcomes at least one coachload of tourists per day, mostly Russians, she added, mainly visiting the icon shop which is found underneath the Church of the Birth of Christ at one end of the square.
Tala is the birthplace of Archbishop Chrysostomos, and the church is also the home to the ‘Archbishop’s museum’ containing mementos of his travels, religious robes, photographs and his book collection.
The amphitheatre, a few minutes’ drive from the centre shows a mixed programme of events including plays and concerts during the summer months. Other places of interest include the Tala Cat Park, now home to around 700 stray and unwanted cats, which are available for rehoming, and the historic Ayios Neophytos monastery. “Exact tourist numbers can’t be given as we have no way of measuring this, but we welcome thousands of visitors every year,” said Delaney.
Kayıtlar
0 Comments:
Yorum Gönder