Cabinet approves €95 million shopping mall in Limassol

The Cyprus Council of Ministers has granted a planning permit by way of exception for a €95 million shopping mall in the Agios Athanasios district of Limassol. The project, proposed by a consortium including C.A.C. Papantoniou Ltd, the Nicosia Mall Group, Athienitis Hypermarkets, Zorbas Group, Voici La Mode and Jumbo Trading Ltd, involves €55 million in construction costs and €40 million in retailer investment. The approval follows a unanimous positive recommendation from the Council for the Study of Planning Exceptions, provided that the developers complete mandatory road and traffic improvement works. The Cabinet justified the decision by citing the need to balance commercial activity between the eastern and western sides of the city and noting the lack of suitable plots in the historic centre. Conversely, the Municipality of Amathounta, the Mayor of Limassol, ETEK, and local traders have raised significant objections, arguing the development could weaken the city’s traditional commercial core. Opponents have further questioned the legal basis for the exemption and demanded greater transparency regarding traffic impact studies. Developers are required to fund all agreed infrastructure upgrades before the facility can begin operations.