With the new year, it is expected that final decisions will be made regarding the two proposed shopping centers on Spyrou Kyprianou and Agiou Athanasiou Avenues in eastern Limassol, as stated by the Chairman of the Council for Deviation Studies (SYMEPA), Mr. Sotiris Ktoridis, in response to a related question from “Entrepreneurial Limassol”.

As he explained, once SYMEPA finalizes its positions, it will forward its reasoned recommendations to the Council of Ministers, which will make the final decisions. SYMEPA’s recommendations are not published; only the decisions of the Council of Ministers are made public.

Mr. Ktoridis noted that at the session on Friday, 5/12/2025, the minutes of the two Public Hearings were reviewed and approved:

1.    The hearing of 10/10/2025 for the application by The Mall of Limassol Ltd (LEM/351/2023).

2.    The hearing of 24/10/2025 for the application by C.A.C. Papantoniou LTD, Souzana and Yiannakis Christodoulou, and Jumbo Trading LTD (LEM/837/2023).

Subsequently, a preliminary discussion on the two developments will take place, for which final decisions will be made with the New Year.

The Mayor of Amathountas’ Statement

During the Public Hearing (PH), the Mayor of Amathounta, Mr. Kyriakos Xydias, expressed his rejection of the proposal for the shopping center on Agiou Athanasiou Avenue (LEM/837/2023), as presented. The Mayor emphasized that the proposal is based on an outdated model that primarily serves car traffic and does not incorporate principles of sustainable mobility.

According to Mr. Xydias, the proposal in its current form would dramatically worsen the situation: “The area is already congested, and we are about to cause a complete standstill with new lanes and roundabouts that discourage any other form of transportation. It is a step backward for sustainable mobility and will increase pollution and noise.”

At the same time, he submitted an alternative proposal for a development that would serve as a model for sustainable urban planning, including enhanced pedestrian areas, cycling paths, public transport, and green infrastructure. The Municipality recommends preparing a master plan for the wider area to create a unified strategy for mobility and connectivity with neighboring areas and the industrial zone.

During the PH, objections to the development were submitted to the Town Planning Authority by shop owners in Limassol city center, owners of neighboring plots, residents of the Municipality of Amathounta, and the owners of the other proposed mall in the area.

During the PH, the applicants argued that the development is necessary for eastern Limassol and that, following recommendations, no hypermarket was included in order to avoid burdening traffic, but the operation of a cinema was proposed.

The Town Planning Authority expressed partial support subject to conditions and significant changes to the plans, noting that the plot borders a main road artery and does not affect nearby residents. A substantial reduction in building density is proposed to ensure adequate parking spaces.

The Limassol Municipality expressed similar reservations regarding the other large development due to the already heavy traffic. The Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) recommended rejection, considering that the proposed development would have negative impacts.

The Police Chief did not express an objection, provided that traffic measures are implemented, while the Public Works Department made the implementation of the proposed roundabouts and the creation of four lanes on the northern side of Agiou Athanasiou Avenue a condition. The applicants emphasized that this is a Cypriot business initiative and that they will fully comply with the instructions of the competent authorities, noting that the required infrastructure will be ready when the mall opens.

During the public consultation on the Mall of Limassol project, owned by Atterbury Europe, strong disagreements and concerns were expressed by citizens and organizations.

Residents pointed out that developing within a residential zone would worsen the already serious traffic problem. The Mayor of Limassol, Mr. Yiannis Armeftis, expressed full opposition, describing such developments as “destructive” for the city. As he noted, the mitigation measures proposed by the company are insufficient to address the impacts, particularly on traffic and the environment.

A representative of the owning company, Atterbury Europe, stated that there is strong interest from entrepreneurs, with 40% of the spaces already leased, and that the company intends to implement mitigation projects worth €8 million. The projects include the construction of three roundabouts at the intersections of the following streets:
– Spyrou Kyprianou with Georgiou Neofytou,
– Spyrou Kyprianou with Agiou Athanasiou,
– 1st October with Elpinikis, with provision for an exit to the Limassol bypass.