The Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel) has called for a comprehensive and environmentally conscious approach to the redevelopment of the Lady’s Mile area.

It also underlined the need to align any development plans with the area’s unique characteristics and recent local government reforms.

Specifically, in an Evel statement, Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis called for “a more holistic approach to the redevelopment of Lady’s Mile road”.

He also urged that recent local government reforms and the area’s unique environmental characteristics be taken into account.

He emphasised that the plans should extend beyond simply upgrading the road and incorporate broader environmental and social factors, ensuring the project aligns with the evolving needs of the area.

Armeftis noted that the ongoing study overlooks crucial aspects. “With the reform, the Local Authorities have changed,” he said.

He pointed out that “the municipality of Kourion now has the largest area of the peninsula, and the district self-governance organisations (Eoa’s) have been established with increased powers. It is not enough to simply make a road.”

A first meeting was held between Armeftis, the mayor of Kourion, and British Bases representatives to discuss the future of the area.

Proposals discussed included the creation of a bicycle and pedestrian path linking Kourium to Amathus, alongside concerns about preserving local natural areas such as eucalyptus trees, the salt marsh, and Lake Makria.

It should be noted that Lake Makria is a Special Protection Area (SPA) for birds and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for habitats and species.

This is in line with British base laws on the ‘Protection and Development of Game and Wild Birds’ and ‘Conservation of Wildlife and Natural Habitats.’

Armeftis also expressed concerns about the regulatory plan previously presented by Limassol municipality’s consultants.

“The plan does not take into account the area’s unique environmental characteristics and its importance as a habitat protected by the Ramsar Convention,” he said.

The area is under the protection of the Ramsar Convention, to which Cyprus is a signatory, urging Mediterranean states to adopt appropriate measures for wetland conservation—an issue that must be addressed in the redevelopment process.

“The Lady’s Mile belongs to all Limassol residents, regardless of the municipality,” Armeftis said.

He also said that there is a need for broader collaboration and consideration of environmental impacts, such as increased visitor numbers, lighting, and activities at recreational centres.

The mayor of Kourion, Pantelis Georgiou, provided an update on the plans for the Akrotiri peninsula, noting that the municipality is preparing a strategic plan that will include the redevelopment of Lady’s Mile.

He clarified that “no project will be implemented within the next two years, as the relevant studies are still being developed.”

He added that a final decision is expected within the next quarter. The plans, he said, will be presented to the public once reviewed by the municipal councils of Kourion, Limassol, and the British bases.

Georgiou also touched on the municipality of Kourion’s intention to address the growing issue of water flowing into the salt marsh, which has caused significant environmental problems in the area.

A different perspective came from Disy MP Nikos Sykas, who argued that much of the preparatory work for Lady’s Mile has already been completed.

He pointed out that the environmental impact study is currently under review by the Environment Department.

Sykas cautioned that “restarting the planning process could cause significant delays”.

He also said that “once the environmental impact Assessment (EIA) is approved, Limassol should push for a political decision to secure the necessary funds for the redevelopment of the road”.