The municipalities of Limassol, Amathus, and Polemidia have decided to proceed with the preparation of a unified spatial planning strategy in collaboration with specialized scientists. This initiative aims to ensure proper organization, development, and use of space, with primary objectives including addressing traffic issues, optimizing the allocation of human activities, and protecting the natural environment.
As explained by the Mayor of Amathus, Mr. Kyriakos Xydias, to “Entrepreneurial Limassol”, the initiative was driven by significant concerns about traffic problems and the need for coordinated transport regulations. “We realized that traffic issues cannot be addressed in isolation. They must be integrated with urban planning because every current intervention could be influenced by future development. It’s essential to connect these two aspects,” he emphasized.
The process involves collaboration with three universities (the University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology and Frederick), which have already submitted a proposal. The initial aim is to document the current situation and subsequently identify best practices to tackle traffic problems in conjunction with spatial planning and development for the three municipalities. Mr. Xydias highlighted the example of redesigning Agios Athanasios Avenue. “We cannot plan its redesign without considering that in three years (if approved by the state despite our opposition), two new shopping malls may open in the area. If such developments are not anticipated, current interventions may become redundant in the future,” he stated.
He also noted that for years, there has been significant development north of the bypass, affecting 40% of Limassol’s population, without adequate planning for how this population would move below the highway. He attributed this to either a lack of planning or planning that fails to account for all parameters. Mr. Kyriakos Xydias summarized that a holistic plan is imperative, free from preconceptions, devised by experts with clear strategy and deliverables. The 1st deliverable by the consultants, will be to record the current situation, i.e. to collect all the data, to consult with all the relevant bodies and departments, in order to create a best practice base in which to incorporate international experience. The 2nd deliverable is to describe the creation of the required infrastructure and to carry out public consultations so that the citizen can be made aware of it. "We should also take into consideration the experiences of the citizens so that before we come up with projects we have a two-way relationship with the society," the Mayor of Amathus noted.
The 3rd deliverable is to be formulated by consultants (after being given direction by the local authorities) of a vision for a greater Limassol in the coming years, with specific goals and proposals for major changes. "Such as aiming to have half of the businesses and services north of the motorway, for example, so that the entire population living in the northern areas does not have to move downwards," Mr. Xydias said.
The 4th deliverable from the consultants will be detailed market research and demand analysis for land uses, along with commuting. The 5th to develop models for forecasting future mobility and land use needs, (something not included in the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan), and a unified mapping and evaluation mechanism. The 6th, the implementation of a framework for optimising planning for mobility and spatial development, and the 7th, a strategy for integrating technical and technological expertise into the planning process.
The Municipality of Amathus has already allocated the required funds in its budget, with a four-year implementation horizon. The expenditure will be distributed among the three municipalities based on population size and each area’s development potential.
