The review of the applications for the issuance of Urban Planning Permits for the two shopping malls near the intersection of Spyrou Kyprianou and Agios Athanasios Avenue in Eastern Limassol has been completed by the Central Offices of the Department of Urban Planning. A related report is now being drafted and will be sent to the Council for Deviation Studies. Once the Council reviews the applications, it will submit its recommendation to the Cabinet, which will make the final decision.
According to an official update received by “Entrepreneurial Limassol” from the Department of Urban Planning, once the reports for the two malls are finalized, they will be forwarded to Derogations Study Council (SYMEPA) to proceed with its own review process. An official from the Urban Planning Department estimated that this will take place within February.
A key stage in the upcoming process is the public hearing to be organized by SYMEPA, where residents and city stakeholders will be invited to express their views. This hearing is expected to take place within the next three months, aiming to record both positive and negative feedback. If there is strong opposition, beyond urban planning considerations, this will be taken seriously into account, commented a government official.
“Entrepreneurial Limassol” also contacted the Public Works Department regarding the licensing of the two developments. The department referred the matter to the relevant Urban Planning Authority (Department of Urban Planning and Housing). According to the information provided, Public Works has already submitted its views in a consultative capacity.
The Mayor of Amathοunta, Mr. Kyriakos Xydias, stated that the Local Authorities have not received any official updates on the application review process. "We are aware that the applications have been submitted and that they involve deviations, but nothing beyond that," he noted. He also stressed that, given the existing road network, it is inconceivable to approve two adjacent shopping malls, as it would cause severe traffic congestion. He emphasized that if the views of the Local Authorities are not taken into account and the permits are granted, there is an essential prerequisite: the creation of exits onto the highway, the complete reconstruction of Agios Athanasios Avenue, as well as Kolonakiou and Griva Digeni Avenues. Otherwise, in his words, the approval would be "criminal."
Mr. Xydias further noted that during a recent broad meeting of Limassol stakeholders at the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry, all attendees agreed that the two malls should not be licensed as proposed. However, if approved, necessary road upgrades should first take place. The President of the Union of Limassol Communities, Mr. Lefteris Periklis, who is also a member of the Council for Deviation Studies, told “Entrepreneurial Limassol” that so far, the applications for the two shopping malls have not yet been presented to the Council. He added that once they are, they will be thoroughly examined.
It is known that the Department of Environment has already given the "green light" under certain conditions for the construction of the two shopping malls. The conditions outlined in its recommendations include the creation of a total of four roundabouts to ensure smooth vehicle circulation in the area. For The Mall of Limassol, owned by Atterbury Europe, the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Georgiou Neophytou and Spyrou Kyprianou Avenues in the Mesa Geitonia Municipality is planned. For Limassol Mall, owned by C.A.C. Papantoniou Ltd, the construction of three new roundabouts on the existing road network is proposed—one in the southern, one in the southeastern, and one in the northwestern part—to ensure the efficient management of road traffic.
