Cabinet sparks outrage in Limassol by pushing through €95m mall approval despite traffic warnings

Economy LimassolTop News Cabinet sparks outrage in Limassol by pushing through €95m mall approval despite traffic warnings Limasol Mall Ioanna Mantzipa 18/07/2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber The Cabinet has sparked fierce local backlash after approving a planning derogation for the new €95 million Limassol Mall in Agios Athanasios, bypassing strong objections from local authorities, business groups, and shop owners. The decision, made on Thursday, greenlights one of two competing applications for large retail centres situated close to each other. While both projects previously received environmental clearance, the government chose to grant exceptional approval only to the Limassol Mall development. The complex will be built directly opposite the existing Jumbo store, a location that critics warn will cripple the area’s already saturated road network and threaten the survival of traditional town centre shops. The development, owned by C.A.C. Papantoniou Ltd, will feature a total covered area of 76,392 square metres, including 28,434 square metres of rentable space. The layout spans a basement, ground floor, mezzanine, and two upper floors. It is designed to house around 90 shops, six kiosks, two large restaurants, two cafes, a food court with seven outlets, a five-screen cinema, an arcade room, and 1,278 parking spaces, including 21 for disabled drivers and eight for families. Limassol town centre shopkeepers expressed strong opposition to the investment. Their spokesperson, Kristis Demetriou, told Kanali 6 that the mall will worsen gridlock and disrupt the wider functioning of the city. Demetriou said the issue extends beyond historic centre businesses to the future quality of life in Limassol, warning that residents will feel the consequences for years to come. He called the consultation process a mockery, stating that local opinions are systematically ignored. He clarified that shopkeepers do not oppose investment but believe projects of this scale belong in areas where infrastructure can handle the load. The Limassol municipal council also hit back at the government. Deputy Mayor Dimos Katsis stated online that the approval directly violates the local authority’s clear negative position, which followed detailed urban planning, traffic, and economic impact assessments. Katsis said that overriding local government undermines its institutional role and sets a damaging precedent for community decision-making. He warned that introducing another massive mall squeezes small to medium-sized enterprises, jeopardising hundreds of local livelihoods. Yermasoyia Deputy Mayor Christos Papamichael focused on the traffic implications, noting that the nearby roundabout already handles around 110,000 vehicle crossings daily. Papamichael questioned the government’s planning strategy, pointing out that major developments are continuously approved before necessary road upgrades are finished. He noted that whilst investments are welcome, a lack of structured planning directly damages daily life for citizens, adding that Limassol deserves better urban management. Despite the widespread criticism, assessments indicate the project will bring economic benefits to the region. The construction phase and the subsequent operation of the commercial centre are expected to create hundreds of local jobs. Subscribe to our Newsletter Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world. Latest News DISY pauses presidential election talks ahead of Guterres Cyprus visit despite internal campaign friction Squatters block public access to Larnaca beach after turning private land into makeshift caravan resort Cocaine trial defense claims key witness framed drug lord in conspiracy plot From banana crates to Wall Street: Inside the €350m crypto and SPAC money laundering ring Four Cypriot football stadiums fail safety inspections as authorities race against time for league kickoff Heatwave hits inland regions as temperatures soar to 40°C, triggering isolated mountain showers US and Cypriot officials meet as Visa Waiver Programme designation still under review