ONE of the two Yiorkion towers in Nicosia is being transformed into a luxury apartment complex, with no expenses being spared.
The new complex will include spas, jacuzzis, swimming pools and private services.
The Yiorkio’s location is unique in the sense that despite being completely central in Nicosia, its surroundings are quiet and peaceful. Adjacent to the Pedieos River, the complex is surrounded by greenery and parks. Its height also offers uninterrupted views of the capital.
The apartments, which are expected to be ready towards the end of 2010, are aimed at “high profile local and foreign individuals who only want the best in life”.
According to the project’s sales executive Constantinos Aresti, the new luxury complex will boast, among others, outdoor swimming pools, indoor jacuzzis, roof gardens, designer kitchens, a fully equipped gym, beauty and spa centre, concierge services, 24-hour security, a dry cleaning service, courier services, hairdressing salon, cafeteria and CCTV security cameras.
It will also offer broadband and Wi-Fi connections, multiple satellite TV services, state-of-the-art VRV and water pressure system.
“This will effectively be an apartment complex that is completely pioneering for Cyprus’ standards,” said Aresti. “Someone buying an apartment is not just buying an apartment but a lifestyle. It is basically like living in a five-star hotel, with the difference that it will be yours.”
Aresti said the apartments are not being offered for rent, only for sale and that a number have already been sold, though he was unwilling to say for how much.
The Yiorkio, which was built in the 1990s by the late Yiangos Papadopoulos, was controversial at the time because the site was on the edge of the Pedieos River in a green area full of eucalyptus trees.
The Yiorkio Residence, as it was known, was one of the most luxurious hotels and upmarket shopping centres in Nicosia, but despite high hopes that this building would contribute to the hotel and tourist industry, things didn’t quite work out that way.
With Papadopoulos’ sudden death in January 1998, his heirs were not interested in continuing his work and the hotel and shops closed down, leaving the building empty.
For the past five years, one of the two towers has been used by Alpha Bank but it has now been rented by the government to house the Health Ministry. The second tower is being turned into the luxury apartment complex.
