Important sports-related projects coming to Agros

Agros community leader Antonis Tsolakis has received assurances from the state that by April the procedures for the renovation of the ‘Glafkos Clerides’ Sports Centre will begin, which, according to the National Development Strategy for the Troodos Mountainous Communities, will be upgraded to a National Centre for Sports, Fitness, Research and Rehabilitation.

The community leader told the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry's publication ‘Epiheirimatiki Lemesos’ (Business Limassol) that, at the Rose Festival last May, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, announced that the Cabinet had decided to renovate and improve the ‘Glafkos Clerides’ Sports Centre, which has remained inactive due to problems since 2019.

The Minister, Tsolakis said, added that the renovation, which is estimated to cost approximately €5 million, has been included in the budget of the Cyprus Sports Organisation (CSO).

The cost for the "Glafkos Clerides" Sports Centre to be revealed by April

The President of the CSO, Yiannis Ioannou, told ‘Epichirematiki Lemesos’ that the necessary funds for the project have been included in the Organisation’s budgets, noting, however, that there had been some delays in the procedures. He stated that by April, the consultants are expected to determine the exact cost of the project.

Ioannou emphasised that the indoor stadium in Agros is a priority project and, with the approval of the 2025 supplementary budget, renovation work will begin as soon as possible.

It should be noted that the Commissioner for the Development of Mountain Communities, Charalambos Christofinas, and the Deputy Ministry of Tourism are actively involved in the entire process.

The community leader of Agros stressed that the project is of exceptional importance both for the development of sports tourism in the wider Troodos region, and for the strengthening of sports domestically (in schools, organised groups and residents).

Efforts to build a European-standard football stadium

At the same time, the community of Agros is continuing its efforts to build a European-standard football stadium, with floodlights and a track. This project is expected to increase the attendance of teams from Cyprus and abroad for training purposes.

According to the community leader, there are some problems with this specific project that are expected to be resolved soon. One of them concerns a plot of land owned by a private individual and purchased by the Agros Development Company to assist in the community's efforts.

As he explained, the plot will be transferred to the Church, which owns the remaining plots in the area, so that the project can proceed. In addition, there is an issue with a small stream in the area, which must be properly mapped by the Land Registry.

“Once these problems are overcome, plans have been drawn up to upgrade the sports centre with a football field, track, stands and changing rooms,” he added. The cost of the project is estimated at around €1.4 million.

Particular emphasis was placed on athletics, which, according to the community leader, will be extremely useful for the preparation of athletes, taking advantage of the altitude of the area, which is ideal for sports purposes.

The President of the CSO, Yiannis Ioannou, emphasised that Agros is an area that can attract sports tourism, thanks to the hotel, other accommodations and the excellent climatic conditions it has.

He added that for the SCO and the government, Agros and neighbouring communities are areas of interest, which will be supported for the upgrading and creation of appropriate infrastructure.

(Sources: InBusinessNews/Epiheirimatiki Lemesos)