• "Limassol Calling": A New Hub Connecting Global Retail and Business in the Heart of the Mediterranean

BBF's successful participation in the 2024 edition of MAPIC, the leading international retail and real estate event held from November 26–28 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France, provided the perfect backdrop for unveiling BBF's new landmark, KEAN—an iconic mixed-use project that sets new standards for transformative, large-scale real estate development, seamlessly connecting retail, leisure, business, and high-end living in charming Limassol, Cyprus.

The event brought together 4,400 participants, providing a platform for engaging in insightful panel discussions on best practices for retail, mixed-use, and leisure real estate developments from around the world.

Among the many engaging discussions at MAPIC, the synergy of the three collaborators—BBF, together with its strategic partners for the KEAN project, UHA and cyber•States (UAE)—shared the stage for the unveiling of the groundbreaking KEAN redevelopment.

Opening the discussion, Olivia Semenova-Tian-Shanskaia, Marketing Director at BBF, took the stage with an insightful overview of Cyprus's thriving economy and Limassol's growing momentum as a Mediterranean hub that seamlessly bridges a unique blend of business opportunities, innovation, and a year-round high-quality lifestyle within a dynamic ecosystem. The discussion further highlighted Cyprus’s appeal, emphasizing steady market growth and the evolving potential for welcoming global retail brands, establishing global business operations and headquarters under a favorable tax regime, or venturing into a new business destination. All of this is complemented by the renowned Mediterranean lifestyle, with its inviting, sun-soaked climate boasting 340 days of sunshine and diverse attractions, making it an appealing go-to destination—whether for live-and-work opportunities or ensuring strong year-round tourism.

Joining her was Jonas Upton-Hansen, Founder & Director at UHA and the creative mastermind behind the visionary architectural concept for KEAN, who presented the unveiling of the master plan—a mixed-use format that integrates world-class amenities, retail facilities, high-end living, cutting-edge office spaces, and a benchmark for green transition. He also discussed its importance in “breathing new life” into Limassol's coastal urban redevelopment and its vision to create value through experience and mixed-use functionality.

Following the presentation, Dr. Aleksei Mikhailov, Director at cyber•States (UAE), and principal investor, further enriched the discussion by sharing insights into the KEAN project, emphasizing its substantial investment potential and its pivotal role in elevating Limassol as a premier destination for business, innovation, and lifestyle.

The vision behind the conceptual realization and development of KEAN is rooted in the strategic collaboration and long-lasting partnership between BBF, a leading force in residential and commercial development, and UHA, an internationally renowned architecture and design studio. This partnership dates back to 2016 and has successfully resulted in the delivery of over 70 high-standard, award-winning projects, all driven by a shared commitment to creating better living and working environments in Cyprus and Greece.

The KEAN project is a step forward and a testament to their unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, continuously challenging each other to think outside the box, never compromising on quality, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the industry to create extraordinary results at every turn. Moreover, KEAN represents a bold move to transform Limassol’s historic urban industrial landscape into a world-class, multi-functional space.

Jonas Upton-Hansen, Founder and Director of UHA, stated:

“Cyprus is emerging as a premier destination for high-quality living, offering a Mediterranean lifestyle that attracts global interest. The KEAN redevelopment embodies the essence of Limassol, a dynamic coastal city that seamlessly integrates lifestyle, business, and retail, creating a vibrant social, business, and cultural hub for a growing international community. The city’s rapidly expanding and diverse population—evident in the 19% increase over the past decade—along with the growing demand for world-class infrastructure, underscores this transformative, large-scale project in redefining contemporary urban architecture in Limassol, further solidifying its position as a thriving international destination for residential, retail, business, and lifestyle.”

The historic KEAN factory site, where the highly anticipated redevelopment project is positioned, spans 46,000 square meters on the city’s coastal front, right in its urban core. Strategically located in Limassol’s prime coastal area, opposite the Dasoudi Eucalyptus Park and the pristine Blue Flag beaches, offers a wealth of essential infrastructure and amenities, ensuring ease and convenience.

The redevelopment aims to reimagine the location with world-class residential, commercial, and retail facilities, featuring luxury apartments with uninterrupted Mediterranean vistas, cutting-edge office spaces, plethora of amenities and a 2,500-square-meter retail plaza set to house luxury brands in cosmopolitan Limassol.

Additionally, defining the KEAN development are the 32,000 square meters of expansive green spaces surrounding the project, which exemplify the green transition. At its epicenter, a green linear park threads through a harmonious green fabric that seamlessly interconnects the outdoor infrastructure—reflecting a carefully planned approach to forward-thinking urban design, one that caters to residents' well-being and fosters the creation of thriving, well-connected new neighborhood.