THE POLIS CAMPSITE REGENERATION PROGRAM

CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE!

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

The management of the Polis Campsite has recently passed into the hands of the Polis Chrysochous Municipality. This follows a lengthy legal battle that ended in the latter part of 2023. After conducting a general clean-up operation of the immediate area, they, in collaboration with the Department of Forestry, have since closed the campsite. The Blue Flag Beach, however, remains open to the public. A new program of regeneration works, involving private investors, has now been approved for the site. As a result, all stakeholders are currently in talks with the municipality to run the ailing campsite as a new joint enterprise.

A POPULAR DESTINATION

This campsite was a popular destination for several years, attracting visitors from all over the world. These visitors often stated that the campsite was a perfect base for them to experience the beauty and tranquillity of the Polis Chrysochous and Akamas areas. In its time, the campsite provided simple, easy, relaxing accommodation for people from all walks of life. These often included nature lovers, backpackers, families and day-trippers. These vsitors often returned to it year after year. They were often drawn to the relaxed atmosphere, freedom of choice, beautiful surroundings, and most importantly, its cost effective hospitality.

FRAGRANT EUCALYPTUS TREES

Nestled amongst fragrant eucalyptus trees, the campsite has been a feature of the area for many years. It has provided a simple, easy retreat for holidaymakers on a budget. It has also been used as a base for exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding area. The campsite itself had a simple but full range of facilities. These included tent pitches, caravan and motor home spaces, along with some basic amenities. These included both toilets and showers. According to the local municipality, only staggered improvements were made over the years to the site. They maintain that because of this, its current standards have not only fallen well short, but are also inadequate.

A LEGAL BATTLE

The Cyprus Tourism Organisation originally opened the campsite to the public in the early 1980s. They installed a private manager to run the site with a lease-type agreement in place. The local municipality then took ownership in collaboration with the Forestry Department in 2011. Problems began soon after this when they decided that the site needed upgrading. This ultimately led to a failed eviction of the long-term site manager. This then spurned a lengthy legal battle, which began in 2017. The municipality finally took complete control of the campsite after reaching an out-of-court settlement in late 2023. Plans, which have gathered dust since 2008, have now been brought forward. Estimated costs for the regeneration program are projected to be in the region of €2.5 million.

A NEW REGENRATION PROJECT

The municipality has stated that the project to renovate the campsite will include a number of new on-site facilities. These will include several new local amenities, such as a restaurant on the beach, a new mini market, and a dedicated play and recreation centre area for children. New public changing areas with public toilets and showers will also be installed. A new paved road, as well as a clearly designated zone for up to 20 caravans with electricity and fresh, clean water, will also be introduced. Plans also include a secure zone for tents that will be allocated closer to the coast with footpaths guiding visitors down to the beach.

ENHANCING NATURAL FEATURE

Municipal officials state that the new plans will preserve the site and ensure that none of the charm or magic will be lost. The plans include a small artificial pond that has also been earmarked for the area where a natural spring pools. Plans also highlight that the campsite’s iconic eucalyptus trees will be protected. Although they will be reduced in size, they will however, be further enhanced by the introduction of new carob trees.

BARBEQUE & BACKGAMMON

The campsite has always been a perfect place to relax. Its air of tranquillity, idyllic scenes and rustic charm have always represented a certain freedom. Most today agree that this is being slowly and gradually eroded across the island. Many have spent their days at the beach bar enjoying a lovely, laid-back affair. Several also state that they miss spending their evenings in front of an open fire after their barbecue, playing backgammon until the early hours. Many onlookers have also voiced concerns. They state that this is yet another example of modernisation and development with business in mind, under the guise of health and safety. Most are suggesting that when the resulting regeneration works are complete, the site will become too commercial and expensive. Most fear that this will spoil the place forever. This does remain to be seen!