Following the Ministry of Education’s decision to allocate an additional 57,000 square meters to the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) at the former “Berengaria” settlement in Kato Polemidia, OffsiteNews spoke with CUT Rector Panayiotis Zafeiris regarding the university’s plans for a model Technology Park.

Zafeiris explained that while there is no specific implementation timeline at this stage, the project is a top priority. “At the moment, there is no defined timeline for implementation, but we certainly want it completed as soon as possible,” he said.

>>Cyprus to Establish Its First Technology Park – A High-Tech Hub of Excellence<<

The development of the park involves a significant investment from the private sector as well, which makes it difficult to estimate a completion date precisely.

He emphasized the importance of the project for both the university and Cyprus as a whole: “We believe it will boost research and innovation both at the University and nationally. It will be the first Technology Park created in Cyprus and the first to be developed as part of a university. Internationally, such collaborations between universities and the private sector are common practice. We aim to follow international models and adapt them locally,” Zafeiris stated.

The Technology Park, a strategic objective for CUT, will serve as a modern hub where academic entities, startups, laboratories, and businesses coexist. It is expected to enhance synergies and drive the production of innovative solutions.

The park will integrate research, technology, and education, contributing to the formation of a complete academic and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Regarding the construction of student housing at the former British settlement of Berengaria, the first phase is expected to be completed by spring 2026. Zafeiris confirmed that the project is proceeding according to plan. “We recently met with the contractors. They assured us there are no delays in the timeline,” he noted.

The project, which began in October 2023, will be completed in two phases.

The first phase, due for delivery in spring 2026, will include 154 student rooms. The second phase, to be completed by spring 2027, will deliver the remaining 333 rooms.

In total, 487 student rooms will be built on-site—464 single-bedroom units, 10 designed for people with disabilities, and 13 two-bedroom units.

Covering a total area of 35,000 sq.m., the complex will also feature student reception offices, lounges, common activity areas, a restaurant, a gym, an aerobics room, laundry facilities, and a multipurpose hall.

Additionally, two underground parking facilities will be constructed, offering a total of 218 parking spaces—81 in the first level and 137 in the second.

The total cost of the project amounts to €56.3 million.