Dorita Yiannakou
The progress of the Limassol Mall project has once again brought the issue of traffic congestion in eastern Limassol to the forefront, with calls growing for urgent upgrades to the city’s road network.
Limassol’s business community has welcomed the development of the district’s new shopping center, but it is making one condition clear: the necessary road infrastructure projects must be completed on time.
Business groups warn that without the required traffic interventions, an already heavily congested area could face even greater pressure on its road network.
Construction work on the new mall, which received approval from the Cabinet last week, is expected to begin in around five months. However, the business community stresses that political decisions must be taken immediately to move forward with the planned 60 urban development projects across Limassol before the Limassol Mall is completed, which is expected in approximately two years.
Speaking to Kathimerini, Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EVEL) President Andreas Tsouloftas said traffic congestion has become the main issue being discussed among the city’s business circles.
Both local and foreign investors, he said, are pointing out that Limassol needs immediate action from the relevant authorities to ensure the necessary infrastructure projects move ahead, with the aim of reducing congestion on the roads of eastern Limassol.
Tsouloftas stressed that authorities must immediately set clear timelines for the planned urban development projects.
According to EVEL Limassol, the success of the new development will not depend solely on the construction of the shopping centre, but also on whether the existing road network can handle the increased number of visitors expected to arrive daily.
The common goal of all stakeholders, it noted, is for the new development to become a driver of economic activity for Limassol without worsening a traffic problem that already affects residents, workers, and visitors on a daily basis.
Business community awaits timelines for 60 planned projects
The projects
At the center of discussions are upgrades to the main roads serving western Limassol, as well as improved connections to the motorway.
The plans include new junctions, upgrades to existing roads, additional traffic lanes, and projects designed to improve access to the shopping center without placing further pressure on surrounding residential areas.
The 60 planned urban development projects represent a major package of interventions aimed at improving Limassol’s traffic conditions, upgrading infrastructure, and creating a more functional and sustainable urban environment.
The projects include road network improvements, road reconstruction and widening, new traffic arrangements, and upgrades to junctions, as well as measures aimed at improving pedestrian safety and promoting sustainable mobility.
Particular emphasis is being placed on eastern Limassol, where rapid residential and business growth has placed significant pressure on the city’s transport system.
Through these projects, authorities aim to reduce congestion, improve connections between different areas of the city, and enhance the daily experience of residents and visitors.
The final interventions will be determined through traffic studies and approvals by the relevant authorities, with the aim of ensuring the development can operate without creating serious disruptions to everyday travel.
The Limassol Mall project
The Limassol Mall, owned by C.A.C. Papantoniou Ltd, will be built in the former municipality of Agios Athanasios, with an estimated cost of €120 million, including the value of the land.
The development will consist of a basement, ground floor, mezzanine level, and two additional floors, with a total of 28,434 square meters of leasable space and 76,392 square meters of total covered areas.
The mall will include around 90 retail stores, six kiosks, two large restaurants, and two large cafés.
It will also feature a food court with seven restaurants and two kiosks, as well as dining areas offering 300 indoor seats and 200 outdoor seats.
Additional facilities will include a cinema with five screening rooms, an arcade area with electronic games, 1,270 parking spaces, and all necessary support and auxiliary facilities.
