Almost a year since the largest catastrophic fire ever recorded in Cyprus, on July 23, 2025, the day when mountainous Limassol was engulfed in flames, with two human lives lost, turning houses, properties, historical monuments and forest lungs into ashes, the affected communities are seeing projects that they themselves chose being implemented and life being reborn.
At a press conference held last Tuesday in Nicosia, the comprehensive and multi-level program of restoration and reconstruction projects "Revive Limassol by XM" was presented. This initiative, which is fully funded by the XM Group, is a model of partnership of private initiative with local authorities and government agencies, aiming not just at wound healing, but at the long-term resilience and development of the region. Work on the implementation of the four major Community projects is progressing rapidly.
Two of the protagonists of the implementation of the projects, the architects who collaborated with the local authorities, and bring the projects from paper to the ground, Michalis Pirokkas and Pavlos Shakallis, speak to "F".
The distinguished Cypriot architect and landscape architect based in New York and Larnaca, Michalis Pirokkas, who has undertaken the design of the infrastructure in Souni-Zanatzia and Agios Therapontas, refers to the architectural vision and schedules of the projects that will breathe new life into the fire-affected areas.
"Our basic philosophy is that the design should highlight not only the park itself, but also the surrounding environment, the panoramic view and the demarcation of each space," emphasizes Mr. Pirokkas. "The projects will not be something foreign to the region. These are simple, functional projects, designed in such a way that they fit harmoniously into the landscape and are a natural continuation of it."
As the architect explains, both projects will be built on sites that have been carefully selected by the community councils themselves. The primary goal is to create a "center" within the park, a living core that will help villagers gather and communicate.
Souni-Zanatzia: A modern home for everyday life
In Souni-Zanatzia, the design provides for the creation of a brand new, modern community park. "We want it to be a 'home' for the daily life of the community. A green lung open to all ages and accessible as many hours of the day as possible," says Mr. Pirokkas.
According to the architectural plans, the park will include:
• Playgrounds for all ages, with specially designed and safe areas for toddlers 2-4 years old, as well as for older children up to 12 years old.
• Sports infrastructure with modern padel courts and specially designed exercise and running areas.
• A small, stylish kiosk with a cafeteria and public toilets.
Agios Therapontas: A cultural destination
In Agios Therapontas, the plan focuses on the construction of a multifunctional cultural pavilion, which will function as a destination that directly connects the community with the natural landscape. The project will feature a cafeteria, spaces for hosting events, themed gardens, and specially designed reading areas, offering an ideal space for relaxation and intellectual creation.
Mr. Pirokkas particularly focused on a common desire expressed by the community leaders of the two regions: "The community leaders were clear: they did not want spaces that the residents would only be able to enjoy late at night. The aim was to create infrastructure that would be used throughout the day. For the citizen to be able to sit, rest and enjoy the park from morning to night."
Regarding the progress of the works, the architect stated that the processes are "running" in order for the works to start as soon as possible. At the moment, after the initial ideas and the first plans, the team is proceeding with the completion of the first costing, so that the final plans can be immediately submitted to the competent authorities to secure the necessary planning and building permits.
The total implementation schedule for the construction and delivery of the projects has been set at 18 months, with Mr. Pirokkas underlining that the team remains committed to meeting the deadlines as soon as the "green light" from the state permits is lit.
The distinguished architect Pavlos Shakallis designed two grandiose revitalization projects. These projects aspire to give a positive breath of hope, keep communities alive and attract visitors from all over Cyprus to the mountains again.
Vouni: A multi-level space with respect to history
In the village of Vouni, the design provides for the creation of an impressive, multi-level community space that is directly connected to the historic Venetian Havouza, a great monument of the place. The project builds on the history of the region and develops on three distinct levels, offering a unique experience:
• Access to the park will be through the Venetian Havouza. On this first level, a welcoming welcome area is formed with comfortable seating under the shade offered by plane trees and a traditional vine.
• Through a staircase and an elevator, visitors will be led to the second level. There will be a small cafeteria with a covered seating area. The design allows parents to enjoy their coffee with full visual supervision of their children who will be on the next level. This area will also house the necessary sanitary facilities.
• The third level is the main core of interaction. It will include a large event space, an artificial pond, seating areas for resting, as well as a climbing wall that is expected to attract audiences of all ages while offering panoramic views.
For adventure lovers, Mr. Shakallis designed an overhead pulley (ZIP-LINE) about 70 meters long. The route will start at level 1 and end at level 3, offering an exhilarating experience above the greenery, overlooking the Southeast Valley.
Agios Ambrosios: A modern sports venue
The project in Agios Ambrosios concerns the creation of a modern football field, which due to its size is expected to bring together many neighboring communities. The stadium will be located northeast of the village, offering excellent views of the valley of Kivides and the village of Agios Therapontas.
Key features of the sports center include:
• The stadium will be constructed with artificial turf and fenced with durable metal mesh.
• The northwest side of the site will be landscaped by planting tall trees. This extensive tree planting will act as a natural shield of protection from westerly winds during football matches.
• On the northeast side, modern changing rooms, sanitary facilities, as well as a canteen with a covered seating area will be erected.
As the architect notes, the area today is characterized by dry vegetation. However, the expectation is that with the appropriate and careful landscaping, the space will gradually be transformed into a beautiful sports gem, which due to its large volume will be able to host other major community events.
