Limassol gets green light for new mega shopping center – criticism for impending traffic chaos
Limassol gets green light for new mega shopping center – criticism for impending traffic chaos
The Cypriot government has cleared the way for the construction of a new shopping centre in Limassol. The cabinet approved the "Limassol Mall" project and at the same time rejected the competing application "The Mall of Limassol". This ends a years-long competition between two planned shopping centers, which were to be built only about 300 meters apart.
Decision after years of examination
According to media reports, one of the decisive factors for the approval was the progress in the planned redesign of Ayios Athanasiou Avenue, which borders directly on the building site. The planned road construction measures led to a new assessment of the future traffic situation and played a significant role in the government's decision.
However, there is still no binding schedule for the expansion of the road – although the project has been considered an important infrastructure project for Limassol for years.
**ADVERTISING**
More customers... More sales through radio advertising ?
More than 60,000 listeners per month listen to or visit the pages of MFRadio.de
Major project with over 90 stores
The Papantoniou Group is behind the project together with the consortium of the successful Nicosia Mall, which includes the Zorbas Group, PHC Group, Athienitis Group and VLM Group.
The shopping center is to be built on a currently undeveloped plot of land next to Jumbo at the entrance to the Ayios Athanasios industrial area.
Among other things, the following are planned:
- around 90 retail stores,
- 6 kiosks,
- 2 restaurants ,
- 2 cafés
- , a large food court with 7 other catering establishments
- , seating for around 500 visitors
- , a multiplex cinema with five screens,
- an indoor leisure area
- around 1,270 parking spaces
The rentable sales area is to be around 28,400 square metres. In total, the building covers a covered area of around 76,400 square metres on several levels.
**ADVERTISING**
More customers... More sales through radio advertising ?
More than 60,000 listeners per month listen to or visit the pages of MFRadio.de
Concern about even more traffic
The project has been the subject of discussion for years. Critics warn that another large shopping mall could significantly increase traffic in Limassol. Especially during rush hour, there are already complaints about heavy traffic loads in this area.
The left-wing AKEL party also sharply criticized the government's decision. In her opinion, the interests of large investors have been placed above the needs of the population.
The party fears:
- a further increase in private transport,
- longer traffic jams,
- higher air pollution,
- a decreasing quality of life for residents,
- as well as economic disadvantages for many small and medium-sized retailers.
Effects on the retail trade
According to the critics, another large shopping centre could significantly increase the competitive pressure on the traditional shopping streets and the historic city centre. Many smaller businesses are already struggling with rising costs and a difficult market environment.
Instead, AKEL is calling for greater investment in the upgrading of the city centre, more public recreational areas and targeted funding programmes for local companies.
Economic benefits are offset by the risks
Supporters of the project, on the other hand, point to the expected economic impulses. The new shopping centre could create numerous jobs, bring additional investment to Limassol and further increase the city's attractiveness as a shopping and leisure destination.
Whether the planned road construction measures will be sufficient to cope with the feared traffic volume, however, will only become clear after completion of the project. Until then, the transport infrastructure in particular remains one of the most controversial issues around the new Limassol Mall.
**ADVERTISING**
More customers... More sales through radio advertising ?
More than 60,000 listeners per month listen to or visit the pages of MFRadio.de
Author: Redaktion
Source: Cyprus-Mail.com / City of Limassol
Disclaimer:
The image was created using AI and is intended solely as a visual representation of the depicted situation. It is not an authentic photograph of the actual event or the people involved.
