ICR Casino Cyprus
LIMASSOL TOWN CENTRE
COMPETITION ENTRY
MIXED USE
This proposal was developed as part of an international design competition for Cyprus’s first Integrated Casino Resort. Vakis Associates was appointed as design architects by Bloomberry Resorts, a hospitality and leisure company based in Manila, with aspirations to expand into the Mediterranean region.
The proposal is situated on seafront site near the Limassol Marina with the over 300 meters of sea frontage and within walking distance from the centre of town. After studying many sites across the island, this was favoured by the client and the design team as an area with constant growth and future regeneration to Limassol and its urban coastal atmosphere.
The concept of the masterplan is to elevate the hotel and its amenities on to a podium which covers the entire footprint of the site and utilising the street level for the public access, 100+ retail unit mall, 500 table casino hall, a multi use convention centre, 1000 seat theatre auditorium, sporting facilities (including 4 tennis courts) and general public uses.
Once elevated the podium is then designed as a clean site, introducing two hotel towers, a 5 star and a VIP tower of a total of 500+ rooms orientated to utilise the sea views.
The perforated "drawer" like form of the towers creates large overhangs for natural shading and elevated sky gardens for the luxury suites. Double height voids allow airflow and sunlight through to the surrounding town from street level, thus softening the monolithic architecture of today`s skyscrapers.
As an extension of to the resort stretching into the sea is a public artificial island, housing the 3 storey high aquarium, a marine educational research and exhibition centre and a sheltered safe haven to accommodate passing yachts and water taxis.
Functioning as a subtle yet meaningful connection between the resort and Limassol town, the island reinforces the area’s maritime identity while providing a civic space open to both residents and visitors. Its integration into the broader coastal framework reflects a sensitive approach to urban and environmental development.
Throughout the proposal, the design aimed to integrate the resort into the surrounding urban fabric, rather than create a standalone destination. Consideration was given to public spaces, cultural uses, and pedestrian movement, ensuring these elements were balanced alongside the commercial and hospitality functions.
This design proposal was part of 8 worldwide bidders and was shortlisted down to the final 3.
