The environment department has given approval for a €55 million project to convert an existing tourist apartment complex into a 480-bed, 4-star hotel in Polis Chrysochous, it emerged on Wednesday.
In addition, the department noted that the approval is subject to specific conditions and input from various stakeholders.
According to the environmental study submitted by Fattal Latsi Ltd, the overall cost is estimated to cost €55 million, with an expected construction period of 18 months following the necessary permit approvals.
The development involves the expansion, conversion, and reclassification of the existing complex into a four-star hotel, capable of accommodating up to 720 guests.
The project will take place on a site previously licensed for first-category tourist apartments in the Prodromi area, within the administrative boundaries of Polis Chrysochous municipality.
The existing development, formerly known as Elias Resorts, consisted of 142 bedrooms spread across 18 buildings, along with a multi-purpose space and restaurant. The total built-up area covered 8,522 square metres.
The new hotel will be named Leonardo Club Family Resort, replacing the former Zenig Resorts Latsi, which the original Elias Resort was changed into for a period of time.
Under the proposed redevelopment, the 18 buildings will remain, but 11 of them will house 240 double rooms, amounting to a total of 480 beds.
Each room will have additional sleeping capacity, allowing for a total occupancy of 720 guests.
The remaining five buildings will be used for common facilities such as restaurants, bars, a reception area, and sports amenities.
The environment department based its decision on provisions of the Polis Chrysochous Bay Local Plan 2024, which allows for the construction of a three-storey building exclusively for hotel use.
It also replaced previous environmental conditions from a September 2023 assessment with updated requirements to mitigate environmental impacts during construction and operation.
What is more, the department noted that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was deemed unnecessary.
The department cited that the development replaces an existing tourist facility and is in an area already designated for similar tourism and commercial use.
Furthermore, the site is not within a Natura 2000 protected area or a migratory bird corridor.
It should be mentioned that the project previously faced a halt due to unauthorised construction.
Initial work had begun based on urban planning and building permits issued in late 2023.
However, enforcement action from the Paphos district planning office (EOA) suspended construction due to unapproved alterations, such as additional floors and expanded room capacity.
Following this, the developer took steps to secure the necessary approvals.
In December of the previous year, the Paphos environment department confirmed that, under the provisions of the revised local plan, a three-storey hotel was permissible, thus allowing the project to proceed, pending final environmental review.
With this initiative, Fattal’s presence in Cyprus will expand to nine properties, across all major coastal towns and Nicosia.
The group currently operates hotels in Paphos, Larnaca, Protaras and Limassol under various brands including Leonardo Plaza, NYX and Leonardo Crystal Cove.
As Israel’s largest hospitality entity, Fattal operates 270 hotels across 117 destinations in Israel, Europe, and the United Kingdom.
