The Department of Environment has greenlit the renovation of the historic Berengaria Hotel in Prodromos.
The renovation will be carried out by Limadino Ltd, under the umbrella of bbf enterprises, following a Special Ecological Assessment Report, which permitted the project under stringent conditions aimed at mitigating environmental impacts.
This will try to preserve the integrity of the Natura 2000 network, along with the protection of local fauna and flora.
With a price tag of €40 million earmarked for construction, the project envisions the restoration of the iconic hotel while preserving its classic facade.
The interior is slated for a comprehensive upgrade, introducing modern wellness and hospitality amenities to enhance guest experiences.
The projected timeline for completion extends to three years post-licensing.
Environmental impact
The development’s environmental footprint raises concerns, particularly with the anticipated impact on 118 trees, some aged between 70-80 years, through various interventions such as uprooting, cutting, and pruning.
The site currently houses around 460 trees, with particular attention on the conservation of the Pinus nigra species, crucial for the habitat of certain bird species like Oenanthe cypriaca and Lanius nubicus.
Measures are in place to limit the felling of black pines to a maximum of 26 individuals to minimise ecological disruption.
Following input from an ad-hoc Committee and the Environmental Authority, Limadino Ltd has refined the project’s design to further reduce environmental impacts, notably concerning the black pine population.
The project’s proposed location, a stone’s throw away from the Forestry College and bordering the Special Conservation Zone and Special Protection Area of the “Troodos National Forest Park” (CY5000004), raises significant ecological considerations.
Initial assessments highlight potential adverse effects, including increased noise and dust during demolition and construction phases, potentially disturbing local wildlife and flora.
The vegetation removal, involving species such as Juniperus foetidissima and Cedrus brevifolia, further exacerbates concerns over habitat loss for the area’s fauna.
Efforts to minimise ecological impacts are underscored by the Department of Forests’ findings, indicating the need to safeguard the habitat for key species by limiting the removal of black pines and underbrush.
The renovation may also impinge on the nesting habits of bird species, including Apus apus, that previously sought refuge in the dilapidated structure.
Moreover, the hotel’s operation is expected to increase human activity, noise, and lighting within the vicinity, potentially deterring wildlife from returning to the site.
