Government Unveils Ambitious National Sports Infrastructure Overhaul

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades heralded a new era in Cypriot sports infrastructure with the unveiling of the revamped Spyros Kyprianou Athletic Centre in Limassol. This state-of-the-art facility, now set to host FIBA EuroBasket 2025, epitomizes the government’s strategic investment in sport and community amenities.

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Enhanced Venue Poised for International Success

During a press conference and an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, Minister Vafeades commended the dedicated team responsible for completing the €14.5 million project on schedule. Alongside key figures such as Mark Klerides, chairman of the EuroBasket 2025 organising committee, and Andreas Mouzourides, president of the Cyprus Basketball Federation, the minister underscored the centre’s multifaceted utility. Beyond basketball, the upgraded arena is designed to host major events, concerts, and conferences, marking it as a cornerstone for community engagement in Limassol.

Comprehensive Overhaul for a Modern Era

Spanning 17,000 square metres and accommodating 8,000 seats—including VIP areas and enhanced facilities for disabled guests—the athletic centre has been completely transformed with high-speed networks, advanced lighting, modern acoustics, and upgraded locker rooms that now exceed standards in comparable stadiums. New permanent and mobile seating, a sophisticated CCTV system, digital scoreboards, and improved press areas further ensure the venue is ready to meet stringent modern standards and expectations.

Strategic Vision for Nationwide Development

Minister Vafeades did not limit his remarks to the project at hand. He emphasized that the success in Limassol is only the beginning, pointing to similar future investments in sports infrastructure across Cyprus. The overarching goal extends beyond sporting excellence to foster a culture of active living and volunteerism, attracting events that bolster the country’s international stature and economic growth.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Industry leaders like Klerides and Mouzourides highlighted the tangible benefits of hosting international tournaments. With projections estimating an addition of approximately €17 million to Cyprus’ GDP from EuroBasket 2025, the event is expected to generate significant revenue in hospitality and related sectors. Moreover, the facility’s year-round use for conferences, exhibitions, and cultural events is set to further enhance Cyprus’ global image.

Looking to the Future

The centre’s renovation is not just a response to current needs but a visionary step towards a sustained legacy. Plans are already afoot for the venue to serve as the home stadium for national basketball teams, host key qualifying matches for the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup, and accommodate future international fixtures, including potential engagements with Israeli teams.

As Cyprus positions itself on the international sports map, the government’s commitment to progressive infrastructure and community enrichment serves as a model for nations striving to leverage sports as a catalyst for broader economic and cultural development.

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€50 Million Luxury Resort Planned For Ayia Napa

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 22, 2026

Ayia Napa could strengthen its position in the premium tourism market with a proposed €50 million mixed-use resort combining a hotel, serviced apartments, luxury bungalows and a beach club.

Aesara Investments Ltd has submitted an information form to the Department of Environment for a development to operate under the name Atlantica Wavemaster Hospitality. The project is planned for the Limnara area of Ayia Napa, along the coast south of Kryou Nerou Avenue, between the town centre and Cape Greco.

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Hotel, Apartments And Luxury Bungalows

The proposed resort will include a 324-room hotel with capacity for 648 guests, alongside a condo-hotel building containing 20 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Facilities are planned to include restaurants, bars, cafés, a spa with an indoor pool, a gym, shops, a multipurpose hall, a children’s club and a cinema.

A further 33 three-level luxury bungalows, each designed for two guests and featuring a private swimming pool, are planned for the southern part of the site. A beach club with a restaurant and an outdoor pool complex covering more than 6,300 square metres will also form part of the development.

The project includes 321 parking spaces, including 12 for people with disabilities, and 14,196 square metres of landscaped green space featuring local plant species.

Seasonal Hotel Operations And Year-Round Residences

The hotel is expected to operate from March to November, with peak occupancy during the summer season. The condo-hotel apartments, meanwhile, will be available for sale or long-term rental and intended for year-round residence. Owners and tenants will also have access to the resort’s facilities, including its pools, restaurants and fitness areas.

Construction is expected to take 24 months once the required permits are secured. At the busiest stage, the project could employ around 100 workers per day.

Environmental Restrictions Near Cape Greco

The site’s proximity to protected Natura 2000 areas has prompted strict environmental requirements. The Cape Greco Special Protection Area borders the site to the south, while a Special Area of Conservation lies approximately 50 metres away.

Conditions imposed by the Department of Environment include a maximum building height of five floors, or 18.5 metres, and restrictions on permanent structures near the coastline. The project must also use spider-web type glazing and low-intensity lighting to minimise disturbance to local birdlife.

According to the project’s consultants, the design has been prepared to comply with the environmental conditions and the final report on cumulative impacts for the Cape Greco Special Protection Area. The hotel and apartment building are positioned in the central and northern parts of the plot, away from the shoreline.

Within the designated no-build zone, located 40 metres from the boundary of the beach protection zone, only swimming pools are planned. The consultants state that these are not expected to affect protected species in the area.

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