**AEL Secures Environmental Approval for New Sports Centre in Kolossi**
Limassol's AEL football club has taken a significant step towards enhancing its training infrastructure with the recent approval from the environmental authority for a new sports centre in Kolossi. This development will include two auxiliary football fields and a state-of-the-art three-level training centre, designed to support the club's athletes in their training and rehabilitation efforts.
The proposed sports centre will be situated on state land adjacent to the Alphamega Stadium, which serves as AEL's home ground. The project aims to provide comprehensive facilities that not only cater to athletic training but also offer recreational and accommodation options for players and staff.
According to the department of environment, the new facility will feature two football pitches, each equipped with seating for a total of 306 spectators—180 in larger stands and 126 in smaller ones. The pitches will adhere to modern European standards and UEFA specifications, with dimensions of 105 by 68 metres and 86 by 60 metres, respectively, and will be covered with natural grass.
The development is planned to unfold in two phases over a three-year period. The first phase will focus on the construction of the two football pitches, while the second phase will encompass the main training centre building, parking areas, and internal access routes. The project will also include 66 parking spaces, with six designated for individuals with disabilities.
At the heart of the new sports centre will be the three-level training facility. The ground floor is set to house various amenities, including a gym, restrooms, showers, changing rooms, and storage areas. Additional features will include a massage area, sauna, cryotherapy facilities, a swimming pool, offices, a kitchen, a restaurant, and a reception area.
The first level will comprise nine offices, a staff room, restrooms, a conference room, a podcast area, a presentation screening room, a living room, a recreation area, and another restaurant. The second level will provide accommodation, featuring 17 double rooms and two quadruple rooms, thus creating a comprehensive base for training and lodging for AEL athletes and staff.
The AEL Sports Centre will be located within the administrative boundaries of the Kourion municipality, specifically in the Kolossi district, in the Ayios Loucas area. The overall site spans 637,367 square metres, with the AEL development occupying 17,262 square metres in the southwestern section of the plot. This location places the new centre in close proximity to the Alphamega Stadium and Apollon’s auxiliary sports facilities, contributing to Limassol’s growing reputation as a football infrastructure hub.
Access to the sports centre will be convenient, with entry points from Spyros Kyprianou Avenue, either from the Paphos-to-Limassol motorway exit or the Limassol-to-Paphos exit.
While the project has received environmental approval, construction is contingent upon obtaining the necessary planning and building permits. AEL is also expected to pursue funding from the Cyprus Sports Organisation (KOA) to support the development.
In addition to the infrastructure improvements, AEL's recent approval comes at a time when the club is strengthening its connections with private-sector partners. Notably, IC Markets EU, led by founder Andrew Budzinski, has acquired shares in the club, further solidifying its ties to Cypriot sports.
As AEL moves forward with this ambitious project, the club aims to bolster its training capabilities and provide enhanced support for its athletes, ultimately contributing to the growth of football in Cyprus.