Dorita Yiannakou
The Nicosia EOA has sought a legal opinion to secure the permit for the development of Lebanese investor Wahid Chammas and the company Nerofarm Properties. According to statements made to K by Nicosia EOA General Director Konstantinos Parmaklis, the organization has been and remains in favor of the CITADEL project, which has a total value of €115 million. As a result, the Nicosia EOA has turned to its legal advisors to explore the possibility of obtaining an opinion that would allow permits to be issued for developments even in cases where government departments express negative views—provided that the EOA deems it necessary. This applies to the mixed-use development by Nerofarm Properties, which has faced opposition from the Department of Antiquities regarding its construction.
Mr. Parmaklis further stated that similar developments have been built much closer to the Famagusta Gate than the proposed project. Therefore, he argued, there is a precedent, emphasizing that a single department should not block multimillion-euro investments.
It is worth noting that the Department of Antiquities opposes the Pallouriotissa development due to concerns over the building’s height, its proximity, and the potential overshadowing of the Venetian Walls by the 22-story structure.
On the other hand, Mr. Chammas maintains that the project will be 200 meters away from the monument and will not impact the historic walls in any way. He also raises the issue of equal treatment, pointing out that other taller buildings exist in the area. During a recent press conference, Nerofarm Properties stated that it expects the necessary permits to be approved by the relevant authority, the Nicosia EOA, within the next six months. If the permits are denied, the company intends to take legal action, including an appeal against the decision, a compensation claim, and an administrative appeal to the Council of Ministers.
The Lebanese investor proposes developing the property into a 22-story multi-use complex, including a hotel with 58 rooms and 116 pay-as-you-rent apartments. The development will also feature small shops and restaurants.
*This article was translated from its Greek original.
