After several months of inactivity, one of Kokkini Hani's two major commercial construction sites is moving forward at a feverish pitch.

"Unfortunately, we had the usual delays involving paperwork and permits that seem to plague most builders on Crete," said a spokesperson for Halkiadakis Super Markets, Crete's largest supermarket chain, which is building a 1,100-square-meter store in the centre of the business district. "Now we're moving along and should be ready to open shortly after the first of the year."

However, the other major construction site, reported to be a mini-mall with a supermarket and about 10 shops, is still growing cobwebs after about three months of inactivity following the initial construction of its framework.

A spokesperson for the Plevrakis Brothers, local entrepreneurs who own the site, didn't give specific reasons for the delays, but said work would resume shortly.

In addition to the two major construction sites, at least six new shops have been built in Kokkini Hani in the past few months, and are about ready for occupancy.