The archbishopric is close to getting the green light for building a five-star hotel in Geroskipou, Paphos, at an estimated cost of €100 million.

Filed years ago, the initial paperwork was held up because of the discovery of an ancient aqueduct on the site. The planners had to amend and re-file the application, to ensure the antiquities are not tampered with. As a solution, a glass walkway leading to the hotel’s entrance, would, reportedly, to be built over the antiquities.

The new plans have been given the go-ahead by the Antiquities Department, paving the way for the project to secure a building permit. Once the permit is issued, construction of the hotel is expected to take around two-and-a-half years.

Called ‘Diamond Essence’, the hotel will feature 484 beds for guests. It will have eight floors, plus the ground floor and a garden rooftop, standing 40 metres high and with a total buildable area of 27,500 square metres.

The project includes a wellness centre (gym, swimming pool, sauna) on the ground floor, ancillary areas (storerooms, a wine cellar, offices), and 44 parking spaces. The ground floor will feature a lobby, a bar, a lounge, a restaurant, a newspaper kiosk, a souvenir shop, a reception hall, a bank branch, a travel agent and a hairdresser.

It’s understood the hotel is primarily geared at attracting high-rollers.

The first floor will feature 16 double rooms, three single suites and three double suites. On the second floor there will be 31 double rooms, while floors 3 to 8 will feature 186 double rooms.

According to media reports, access to the site will be possible from Posidonos Avenue.

The entire project includes the construction of two residential apartment blocks (Amethyst & Aquamarine Towers), with a combined 122 apartments. The two towers have already received a town planning permit.