As announced on Wednesday, the Ministry of Environment has approved a 55 million euro project to convert an existing tourist apartment complex into a 480-bed 4-star hotel in Polis Chrysochous .

In addition, the ministry pointed out that the approval is subject to certain conditions and requires input from various stakeholders.

According to the environmental study submitted by Fattal Latsi Ltd., the estimated total cost is EUR 55 million, with a construction period of 18 months expected after the necessary permits have been granted.

The project envisages the expansion, reconstruction and reclassification of the existing complex into a four-star hotel with a capacity for up to 720 guests.

The project will be implemented on a site that already had a license for the use of first category tourist apartments in the Prodromi area within the administrative boundaries of the municipality of Polis Chrysochous.

The existing complex, formerly known as Elias Resorts, consisted of 142 bedrooms in 18 buildings, as well as a multi-purpose room and a restaurant. The total built-up area was 8,522 square meters.

The new hotel will be called Leonardo Club Family Resort and will replace the former Zenig Resorts Latsi, into which the original Elias Resort was temporarily converted.

As part of the planned renovation, the 18 buildings will be preserved, but eleven of them will accommodate 240 double rooms with a total of 480 beds.

Each room has additional sleeping space, so that a total of 720 guests can be accommodated.

The remaining five buildings will house communal facilities such as restaurants, bars, a reception area and sports facilities.

The Environmental Agency based its decision on the provisions of the Polis Chrysochous Bay Local Plan 2024, which allows the construction of a three-storey building exclusively for hotel use.

In addition, the previous environmental conditions from a September 2023 assessment have been replaced by updated requirements to mitigate environmental impacts during construction and operation.

In addition, the Ministry stated that an environmental impact assessment (EIA) was considered unnecessary.

The ministry stated that the project replaces an existing tourist facility and is located in an area already designated for similar tourist and commercial purposes.

Furthermore, the site is neither located in a Natura 2000 protected area nor in a migratory bird corridor.

It should be mentioned that the project had previously stalled due to construction bans.

The first works had begun on the basis of the urban planning permits granted for the end of 2023.

However, due to an enforcement action by the Paphos District Planning Office (EOA), construction work was suspended due to unauthorised changes, such as additional floors and an increase in room capacity.

The developer then took steps to obtain the necessary permits.

In December last year, the Paphos Environmental Authority confirmed that a three-storey hotel was permitted under the terms of the revised development plan, allowing the project to proceed pending final environmental assessment.

This initiative will expand Fattal’s presence in Cyprus to nine properties in all major coastal cities and Nicosia.

The group currently operates hotels in Paphos, Larnaca, Protaras and Limassol under various brands including Leonardo Plaza, NYX and Leonardo Crystal Cove.

As Israel's largest hotel company, Fattal operates 270 hotels in 117 locations in Israel, Europe and the United Kingdom.

Source: CyprusMail.com

Author: Souzana Psara