Polis Chrysochous is taking the first steps towards reopening its campsite after Mayor Yiotis Papachristofi announced on Saturday that he had officially launched a call for expressions of interest for the renovation and operation of the site.

He told the Cyprus News Agency that his municipality would accept bids until July 4 and that the total cost of renovating and operating the campsite would be around €4.5 million.

The renovation costs amount to approximately €2.2 million, and just under €2.3 million are earmarked for the operation of the campsite. The lease term is 25 years, with annual rent starting at €60,000 and increasing by five percent every two years.

The signed contract expires on February 28, 2055 , with the original signature being valid until 2040 and the right to renewal and extension existing until the expiration date.

Papachristofi said he hopes to find an investor “soon” and reopen the location as early as next year.

“The campsite is a popular holiday resort and for us as a local authority, it is an additional tourist destination at a time when there is a shortage of beds in Polis Chrysochous due to the lack of large tourist units,” he said.

He added that the campsite is “ located in a privileged location with eucalyptus trees and an excellent beach , made even more beautiful by the construction of breakwaters.”

The campsite was originally opened by the now-defunct Cyprus Tourism Organisation and managed by a private manager before being handed over to the Municipality of Polis Chrysochous in 2011.

However, a standoff then arose between the municipality and the site manager. The municipality and the manager were unable to evict the site manager because they considered themselves an "institutional tenant" who had rights to the site based on previous investments.

After six years of legal battle , the municipality gained absolute control of the site in 2023.

Papachristofi told the Cyprus Mail last year that renovation plans included building new buildings, including a beach restaurant and three shower blocks, on the site of old buildings that are to be demolished, as well as creating a playground and a leisure center.

In addition, he said, the roads on the site would be paved and a new, clearly marked zone for caravans with electricity and water hookups would be created .

He said there will be a total of 20 caravan pitches and 68 motorhome pitches, while vehicles will be prohibited on the rest of the site.














Author: Tom Cleaver
Source:CyprusMail.com