A major public debate has erupted in Limassol over plans to build two large shopping malls located just 300 meters apart. One project is planned in Agios Athanasios, and the other in Mesa Geitonia.
Although both developments have received approval from the Cyprus Department of Environment, the final decision on the building permits is still pending before the Land Department and the Council of Ministers.
Many MPs and municipal officials have already expressed concerns that such large-scale developments could lead to traffic gridlock and deal a serious blow to small and medium-sized businesses.
Concerns of MPs and residents
AKEL MP Andreas Kafkalias described the situation as a “serious challenge for the city’s infrastructure.”
According to him, Limassol’s transport system is already under tremendous pressure, and the construction of two new malls within a few hundred meters will only worsen the problem.
Kafkalias stressed that the issue is not only about traffic jams but also about the survival of local shops:
“Two new malls will effectively redistribute the flow of shoppers, leaving small businesses without customers.”
He added that small and medium-sized enterprises are already struggling with long working hours, rising rents, and staff shortages.
“Another blow like this could be decisive for them,” he warned.
The MP also noted that Parliament has no direct authority over such planning decisions, as the final word rests with the executive branch.
Municipalities demand that residents’ opinions be considered
Kyriakos Xydias, mayor of the Amathus Municipality, also expressed deep concern. He stated that the issue goes beyond these two projects and calls for a reassessment of the entire urban development policy.
“We must think not only about today. If we continue building chaotically, the city will lose its transport sustainability and architectural balance,” he emphasized.
According to Xydias, a comprehensive study involving local communities should be conducted to determine how Limassol will develop in the long term.
The Position of the Municipal Council: A Firm “No”
The Limassol Municipal Council has taken a unified stance — against the construction of both malls.
Evangelia Paraskevou, a council member and representative of the DIPA party, stated that the decision was made unanimously.
The main arguments are the risk of traffic congestion and the threat to small businesses. Paraskevou also questioned the developers’ argument about job creation.
“Yes, there may be new job openings in the new malls. But this will lead to an outflow of employees from small shops, resulting in layoffs in other sectors. In the end, the losses will offset any potential benefits,” she explained.
Concerns of City-Center Business Owners
Municipal councillor Christis Demetriou, who represents shop owners in Limassol’s historic center, stated that the projects go beyond the approved urban development plans. He described the situation as a “competition for profit between two companies rather than a strategic development of the city.”
In his view, if Limassol truly needs another shopping center, it should be built outside the city limits — for example, in the Pentakomo area, where a technology park is already planned.
“This would ease traffic, protect residential neighborhoods, and distribute economic activity more evenly across the region,” he said.
Demetriou emphasized that Limassol’s historic commercial center has only recently begun to revive, with major brands returning, new boutiques opening, and growing tourist traffic.
“If new malls appear next to the existing Limassol Mall, we could lose this positive momentum. The city risks losing its commercial heart,” he warned.
Traffic Burden and Social Impact
Experts agree that the transportation issue is key. Two malls located within a few hundred meters of each other could add thousands of daily trips, leading to overloaded intersections, parking shortages, and increased air pollution.
Beyond that, the construction of large shopping complexes could alter the city’s social fabric. The city center, traditionally full of life, might become deserted in the evenings if activity shifts to the new malls — affecting both cultural life and public safety.
What Developers Say
Atterbury Europe, the company behind one of the projects, announced that 40% of the retail space has already been leased.
The developer promises to invest around €8 million in infrastructure improvements, including the construction of three new roundabouts and a connection to Limassol’s bypass road to help ease traffic congestion.
However, critics argue that these measures will not be sufficient to offset the overall increase in traffic.
According to experts, without a comprehensive review of the city’s transport system, any new large-scale development will only exacerbate existing problems.