The licensing process for the 54-meter, 13-story mixed-use development, with commercial and office spaces, on the plots where the historic Curium Palace hotel in Limassol previously stood, is at an advanced stage.

According to information from the Town Planning Authority, the review of certain requested modifications remains pending, in order for the planning and building permits for the development to be issued in a timely manner.

As is known, the Environmental Authority has already issued a positive Reasoned Findingwith conditions, which is available on the Department of Environment’s website.

“Entrepreneurial Limassol” addressed a query regarding the progress of the project to Mr. Achilleas Kalopedis, Director of Environmental Sector at ALA Planning Partnership Consultancy L.L.C., who signed the Information Report submitted to the Environmental Authority on behalf of the development’s owners.

Mr. Kalopedis noted that the licensing process is ongoing with the responsible Town Planning Authority, which is expected to review the modifications requested by the project’s architectural team.

He emphasized that, regarding the commencement of works, no specific date has yet been set, as this depends on the completion of planning and building permits. “Therefore, any estimation would be premature until the relevant approvals are issued by the competent authorities,” he stated.

Regarding the anticipated benefits for the city of Limassol from the development, he highlighted that, according to the information included in the Environmental Authority’s Reasoned Finding, the development is expected to:

• strengthen the urban pattern of the area with new office and commercial use,
• contribute to economic activity through the creation of jobs during construction and operation,
• aesthetically and functionally upgrade a central city location where the old hotel previously stood,
• enhance the mixed-use character of the area, as provided in the Local Plan.

Mr. Kalopedis added that the Reasoned Finding document also outlines mitigation measures to manage issues such as dust, noise, traffic impacts, waste, and light pollution, as referenced in the Environmental Study conducted.

The Environmental Authority has given the “green light,” under conditions, for the proposed construction and operation of the 54-meter, 13-story mixed-use development on the plots where the historic Curium Palace previously stood, which has already been demolished.

According to the project’s architects, construction works are expected to begin once the relevant permits are obtained and to be completed 30 months after commencement. The estimated cost is approximately €22,000,000.

It is noted that during the demolition of the historic hotel there were objections; however, efforts to preserve it were unsuccessful. The Department of Environment noted that the Data Report on the project’s environmental impacts was prepared after the building’s demolition. Consequently, the environmental assessment did not examine the impacts of the demolition.

The project owner had secured a demolition permit from the Limassol Municipality one year prior to the preparation of the Information Report, on 17.02.2023, which was completed in May 2024.

According to the architects, a building footprint of 6,075 m² is proposed for office use and 210 m² for commercial use, with a coverage area of 1,204 m², while the proposed building height is 54 meters.

The development is designed vertically, minimizing its footprint. The building volume “breaks” in two points, creating green spaces at height and providing quality spaces for staff. During the project’s operation, approximately 500 people are expected to work there, while the estimated number of daily visitors is around 40.

The proposed project also includes 103 parking spaces, of which 4 are for persons with disabilities, as well as 5 bicycle parking spaces.

The development site adjoins a parking area and commercial development to the east, while to the west lies the Limassol Archaeological Museum. Approximately 50 meters southwest is the Limassol Municipal Garden.