The complex development planned by the DNP Property Group in Prastio Avdimou is expected to attract people and provide a developmental boost to the wider area, according to the village mayor, Mr. Panikos Polykarpou, who expressed hope that the State will assist so that the project can start as soon as possible.
Mr. Polykarpou specifically mentioned that, if the project is implemented, it would be like adding four or five more communities to the region’s population. He also mentioned that the investor, during a presentation in the community, stated that they are in contact with hospitals and universities for their establishment within the development.
The Managing Director of DNP Property Group, Mr. Dimitrios Nikolaos Papacharidimou, recently stated that Saint Nicholas Hills is a long-term investment that focuses on health, education, and innovation. He emphasized that, unlike traditional luxury projects, the development will include a hospital, university, schools, research centers, as well as sustainable residential areas. As he mentioned, the goal of the €1 billion investment is to attract international talent and create thousands of permanent jobs.
Mr. Papacharidimou pointed out that at the heart of the design is the university, which will host 12,000 students, making Cyprus a regional educational hub. At the same time, the state-of-the-art hospital and rehabilitation center that will be built will reduce the need for Cypriots to seek medical services abroad and will attract medical tourism. He also highlighted that the project is designed with an emphasis on sustainability, incorporating green energy, ecological infrastructure, and smart urban planning.
The Department of Environment has put out for public consultation, until March 8, the Environmental Impact Assessment Study for the creation of this development. The proposed project, named St. Nicholas Hills, will include a polyclinic/medical center, primary, secondary, and tertiary education facilities, student accommodation, centers of excellence, a rehabilitation center, tourist accommodations, cultural projects, and supplementary uses such as service shops, a pharmacy, and dining spaces.
The total area of the development is 690,519 m² and includes the development plots, public road network, community equipment, as well as public green spaces and a biological station. The development area is located within an agricultural and protection zone, 500 meters south of Prastio village, 500 meters north of Avdimou village, and 1.5-2 kilometers south of the Limassol-Paphos highway.
According to the Environmental Impact Assessment Study, the project is expected to contribute to the creation of new job opportunities and business prospects, as well as increase land value in the broader area. Additionally, it is expected to strengthen population growth. Considering the current environmental conditions of the area, as well as the wildfire in August 2020, which completely destroyed the flora and habitats of the study area, the development is expected to have positive environmental impacts.
For the project, DNP Property Group organized an informational seminar in Prastio Avdimou on December 6, 2024, with the participation of MPs, community Presidents, entrepreneurs, and residents.
