The Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK) is set to anchor its new School of Marine Sciences, Technology, and Sustainable Development in the Mackenzie area of Larnaca, a significant expansion that will repurpose a historic site for future-facing education. University Rector Panagiotis Zafeiris formally announced the plans, revealing that construction on the 12,455-square-meter facility is slated to commence within 2025, with the first student intake projected for 2028. During a parliamentary committee session, Rector Zafeiris provided substantial detail, confirming that both town planning and building permits are already secured, expediting the project's path to breaking ground. He indicated a precise start window, noting that the first construction works could potentially begin in January-February of next year. The strategic location, situated behind the parking area near the old Larnaca Airport terminal, leverages a prominent urban space for a new academic mission focused on marine biology, marine technology, and sustainable development. The venture represents a substantial long-term investment for the university and the region. According to the project's feasibility study, the initial three-year phase will require an investment of €21.7 million, covering construction, equipment, and operational costs. Subsequent years are projected to need an average of €3.5 million annually to sustain operations and research activities. The school is expected to host 420 students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes by 2030, with enrollment projected to grow by 3% annually thereafter, reaching approximately 440 students by 2044. However, the ambitious timeline was met with a note of caution during the parliamentary discussions. While the official expectation is for a 2025 start, it was acknowledged that there could be a delay in the commencement of construction works. This introduces a element of contingency to an otherwise firmly outlined schedule. The establishment of this school marks a pivotal moment for TEPAK, diversifying its academic portfolio and establishing a dedicated hub for critical research fields. By transforming a site linked to Cyprus's transport history into a center for maritime and environmental innovation, the project symbolizes a forward-looking synergy between past and future. All eyes will now be on the preliminary site work in early 2025, as the first physical steps are taken to bring this vision to life.