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Positively, the Environmental Authority has conditionally approved the revival and operation of Hotel Berengaria and the construction of houses in Prodromos.
The €40 million project, slated for completion within three years according to bbf, the owner, anticipates commencing operations by 2026. Limadino Limited, affiliated with bbf, is listed as the developer in the project information report.
The proposed project encompasses five separate urban planning applications:
- Division of land into three plots
- Demolition of two existing buildings
- Mixed tourism development, involving maintenance, restoration, additions, and extension of an existing listed hotel in the proposed plot
- Residential development
- Single residential development
According to the project architects, the mixed Tourism Development aligns with the relevant policy framework established by the Council of Ministers.
Detailed breakdown of each project stage
The land division phase involves creating three plots, allocating green space, community equipment, and public roads. The proposed demolition targets two existing buildings within the site, paving the way for maintenance, restoration, additions, and extension of the listed hotel. The hotel unit is projected to comprise 32 rooms, 12 condo units, ground and basement swimming pools, a spa basement, a restaurant, and ancillary amenities spanning 4524.10 square meters.
The residential component covers 704.28 square meters, featuring one apartment building with six one-bedroom units and another with eight studio-type apartments. Additionally, 13 two-bedroom, five three-bedroom, and four four-bedroom residences are planned, totaling 22 residences along with car parks, a bike station, and ski kit storage, covering 2980.58 square meters.
Other amenities include two 100 cubic meter pools, a 93 square meter gym, 409 square meters of restaurant and dining areas, a 132.20 square meter bar, a 72.30 square meter reception, a 717.5 square meter kitchen, 20.80 square meters of offices, and 8.20 square meters for luggage storage. A total of 100 car parks and an additional bike station with 19 outdoor seats and a ski equipment storage area will be provided.
Impact
The architects emphasized preserving the project's character and the environment. The impact study underscores efforts to preserve forest land and mitigate noise and dust during construction, minimizing disruption to fauna and flora.
Concerns include potential noise and dust during construction, impacting fauna and flora, including the possibility of abandonment by fauna species and the effect on vegetation. A total of 118 trees, primarily Black Pines, may be affected during construction.
The Environmental Authority has requested modifications to minimize environmental impact, notably reducing the number of affected Black Pine trees from 36 to 26.
Terms
The project's licensing is contingent on mitigating identified impacts. Conditions include limiting Black Pine cutting, fencing identified sites, planting local flora, adhering to forestry instructions, and minimizing noise and lighting during operation.
During operation, waste disposal, pollution control, nesting habitat preservation, and noise control measures are mandated.
In summary, the Environmental Authority's assessment underscores the project's potential, provided environmental safeguards are strictly adhered to during both construction and operation phases.
