Almost two years to the day that it officially broke ground, work has finally resumed on the long-anticipated Axion Shopping Center, located in the heart of Kokkini Hani's business district.

 Actually, the site, owned by the locally prominent Plevrakis brothers, who also own the Water City and Palladium complexes in Anopoli, has long been a topic of concern for Kokkini Hani residents and business people. Located in the heart of the area's rapidly expanding business centre, the important site has been dormant since the mid-1990s, when its original business enterprise, a fast-food emporium called Neon, failed.

The concrete foundation and structures for the new shopping mall was constructed almost immediately in early 2008, and then all work came to a stand-still. The owners cited legal paperwork as the reason for the temporary cessation of work.

Now, under a recently agreed upon business arrangement, it was announced that the construction and management of the Axion Shopping Center has been assumed by the Superior Services Consulting and Development, an Iraklion-based company.

Ioannis Bras, Superior's president, told this newspaper that Axion, a two-level structure with an underground parking facility, is scheduled for completion by late summer-early fall of this year.

"This is one of the most important construction projects in the township," Mr. Bras said. "When completed, it will be a showcase for contemporary shopping, as well as providing employment for about additional 100 people. Without a doubt, it will upgrade the whole area."

As originally planned, Axion will feature more than 20 shops and several business offices, and will accommodate approximately 70 cars.

 While there have been several rumours circulating as to which major company will be leasing space in the new centre, Mr. Bras has reserved comment for now.

"We are currently negotiating with several important retailers, and should have more details within the next few weeks," he said. "As soon as we have confirmed agreements, we will inform the readers of The Khronicles, who, we know, are anxiously awaiting the expanded shopping that Axion will offer. In fact, we are confident that an announcement will be made in next month's edition."

While not mentioning any names, Mr. Bras said that demand for the space in the Center has been high, which confirms the fact that Kokkini Hani and its surrounding area has become one of the most viable retail markets outside of Iraklion.