The Cyprus Environment Ministry has approved a major project to build and operate an eco-village for the elderly called Komitis Eco Village in the village of Peristerona, near Nicosia.
The project was initiated by Dimitris Papaefstathiou, director of the company and son of well-known Cypriot businessman Savvas Papaefstathiou, founder of the Kotopoula Komitis brand.
According to the release, the development will have a built-up area of 269,685m2. Of this, 47,187 m2 will be occupied by residential buildings and 87,475 m2 by green areas. The project includes the construction of 271 one- and two-bedroom apartments, as well as a number of social and medical facilities. All buildings will be constructed and finished to the highest standards, using top quality materials.
Those who choose to purchase homes under construction will have the opportunity to work with an experienced architect to personalise their interiors. Each building will have A-rated energy efficiency, excellent thermal and acoustic insulation and double glazing. This will not only reduce the negative impact on the environment, but also minimise energy costs for residents.
All residents of the complex will be able to count on 5-star services.
A comfortable and modern infrastructure will be created for the convenience of the residents. There will be a café, a restaurant, a pharmacy, a shop, a spa and a gym, a club for social events, a church and a car park.
Importantly, a licensed medical centre will be built in the village, employing highly qualified specialists. The centre will have a nurse and a doctor on duty 24/7. There will also be an emergency call system with emergency response. There will also be a nursing school and a dormitory for students. The project will be developed in three phases.
- The first phase includes the construction of healthcare facilities, part of the residential buildings, a public transport stop and part of the transport network. Capacity: 229 residents, 135 visitors and 103 employees.
- Phase two includes the construction of a nursing school, a student residence, a geriatric centre building, a sports club, and continued work on the road and residential infrastructure. Capacity: 254 residents, 60 visitors and 46 staff.
- The third phase will see the completion of the educational infrastructure and housing.
In total, it will take about four years to complete this grand idea.
It is worth mentioning that the area around the village of Peristerona was chosen as the ideal location because of its favourable climate, clean air and convenient location between the Troodos and Pentadaktylos mountains. The area is cooled by sea breezes and its proximity to the village's developed infrastructure makes it suitable for permanent residence for the elderly.
Interestingly, the investor plans to attract not only Cypriots to the project, but also foreigners, particularly from Scandinavia, Russia, Germany and the UK, who wish to enjoy the mild climate of Cyprus all year round.
The project is included in the list of strategic initiatives promoted by the Cyprus Government and the Cyprus Tourism Organisation as part of a programme to revitalise rural areas and develop alternative forms of sustainable tourism. It is also in line with the EU priorities set out in the Juncker Plan and can be an important tool in combating seasonality and reducing demographic pressure in rural areas.