The Cyprus Environment Ministry has granted planning permission for the construction of the Panagia Agia Skepi church, three buildings and a workshop to be owned by the Maheras Monastery.
The new complex will be located in the Nicosia district, within the administrative boundaries of the villages of Filani and Politiko.
According to a release from the authority, the project aims to create a modern space for the Holy Asylum and construction of the large complex will begin as soon as all the necessary documents have been received. It will include:
- A church with a surface area of 232.28 m2
- Three buildings: Building A of 704.31 m2 (ground floor) + 648.99 m2 (first floor), Building B of 362.34 m2 (ground floor) + 329.77 m2 (first floor) and Building C of 285.98 m2 (ground floor).
- Workshop of 448 m2 (ground floor) + 111.62 m2 (mezzanine)
- Residential building of 38 m2
- Biological water treatment plant
- Photovoltaic system with an output of 40 kW
- Parking area of 25 m2 (10 spaces for people with disabilities).
The estimated cost of the project is 3.35 million euros. Construction will take approximately 26 months.
Local trees and shrubs, including pine trees, will be planted around the complex.
The area where the project will be implemented is located in the mountains at an altitude of 600m, 6km southwest of the village of Politikos. It is an area of minimal development and wild vegetation, bordered by the ruins of old buildings. Access to the new facility will be via an existing road on the western side of the site and the internal area will be paved with cobblestones for ease of movement.
The project represents an important step in the infrastructure development of the Maheras Monastery, combining religious, social and environmentally responsible construction.