The project to build the tallest skyscraper in Limassol may remain on paper.
It was recently revealed that the high-rise, called Aura, was not in demand among investors, even though it had already been granted planning permission.
Recall that the premium residential complex was to be built in the Neapolis district, on the site of the former ERA shopping centre, just 80 metres from the sea and the beach.
According to the plan, the 44-storey tower with a height of 181.5 metres will have 136 luxury apartments with two, three and four bedrooms. The ground floor of the skyscraper will start at a height of 24.3 metres. The building has been designed by British architects Foster + Partners. Landscaped gardens will be the highlight of the new skyscraper. The project envisages the construction of a modern skyscraper, the lower part of which will be harmoniously integrated into the structure of the urban development.
The cost of the project is estimated at 108 million euros.
The site on which the new residential complex will be built is currently occupied by the former ERA shopping centre, an underground car park and a surface car park. According to the development plan, the demolition of the existing structures will be followed by the preparation of the site for the construction of Aura, which will include
- 136 apartments;
- Mechanical rooms on the 1st, 3rd, 13th, 29th, 43rd and 44th floors;
- A linear park (with a square, public green areas and facilities for people with special needs);
- Reception, restaurants, shops and entertainment services on the basement level;
- Car parking on the 4th floor;
- Storage facilities;
Access to the skyscraper site will be via 28 October Avenue, Mavromihali, Kyreni and Andreas Zaimis Streets, which will cross the project.
It should be noted that the project has been under review since 2019. It has been repeatedly criticised by local officials, including the former mayor of Limassol, Nicos Nicolaides, who initially opposed the construction of the tower. The main opponents, such as AKEL's Michalis Sokratous and DISY's Michalis Vassiliou, have raised concerns about the economic viability, environmental impact and feasibility of such a development. Sokratous criticised the cluster of tall towers in the area and said the economic conditions were not right. Vassiliou questioned the compatibility of the tower with the narrow site, highlighting the potential negative impact.
Indeed, the main disagreement was over the height of the tower and the suitability of the site for such a large development. In the end, however, the developer was allowed to use the area under Andrea Zaimi Street for an underground car park, thus resolving the issue.