Tenders are expected to be invited in October for the construction of the Troodos observatory at Agridia village. Actual construction work on this grand new project is scheduled to begin at the beginning of the new year. The building permit was already issued a year ago, in August 2018, but it took a while before the procedures for preparing the tender documents were completed. The project, encompassing the building and equipment and the proper arrangementτ of the surrounding area, will cost €1,6 million. Of this, about €800.000 will be earmarked for the building, while the rest will go for equipment, for trails and other facilities in the surrounding area.
The architectural design to be implemented has attracted the interest of international media, helping to create a destination brand in an emerging tourist area. Among other things, the project was among the ten from around the world participating in the World Architecture Awards competition. As the project architect, Elena Tsolakis, pointed out, the design of the observatory is quite particular, as it looks like a spaceship. Speaking to Entrepreneurial Limassol, Agridia community council head Andreas Evgeniou, said the observatory will be a major asset for the entire region, as it will contribute to attracting visitors and, by extension, to further economic development in the area. Private initiative, he added, should play its own role in meeting the needs that will arise.
The Observatory will primarily target amateur observers, students and general interest tourists. The Troodos area is deemed to be best for astronomical observation because of low humidity conditions, low wind speeds, and lack of light pollution. The observatory will be 45 minutes from Limassol and Nicosia and a mere five minutes from the main Agros-Troodos road. Also, Agros and Kyperounda provide important agrotourist accommodation facilities and are less than 10 minutes away. The lead partner is the Department of Forests, while the Troodos Development Company, the Agridia community council, as well as the University of Nicosia, which is in charge of digital applications and technology issues, are also part of the whole venture.
