Alma has raised serious concerns regarding the cabinet’s approval of a new commercial development in the Ayios Athanasios area of Limassol. The organisation questioned the legal basis of the decision, its potential impact on the city centre, and the anticipated increase in traffic.
- As the conversation around the Limassol Mall continues, many community members remain watchful, hoping that their voices will be heard in the development process.
The proposed mall, which is backed by the Papantoniou Group and a consortium that includes the Zorbas Group, PHC Group, Athienitis Group, and VLM Group, is set to be constructed on vacant land at the entrance to the Ayios Athanasios industrial area, adjacent to Jumbo. However, Alma contends that the approval was granted through an exemption from the current development plan rather than the usual procedures.
Alma pointed out that planning regulations necessitate these exemptions to be justified based on specific principles and criteria. The location of the mall, situated outside of Limassol’s traditional commercial centre, has sparked fears that it may undermine the urban and commercial core of the city instead of enhancing it.
In its statement, Alma called for the publication of the traffic impact study, emphasising that a development of this magnitude in an already congested area demands greater transparency. The organisation noted that past experiences with shopping malls in Cyprus have demonstrated a tendency for such developments to divert commercial activity and visitors away from traditional town centres, potentially harming small and medium-sized businesses.
Alma also urged the government to disclose the rationale behind the cabinet’s decision, including the criteria that led to the approval. This scrutiny follows recent criticism from Akel’s Limassol district committee, which expressed similar concerns regarding the project. The party contended that the mall prioritises large commercial interests above the needs of local residents, warning that it could exacerbate traffic congestion, disrupt sustainable urban planning, and redirect commercial activities away from Limassol’s historic shopping areas.
As the conversation around the Limassol Mall continues, many community members remain watchful, hoping that their voices will be heard in the development process.
