Three listed buildings near the Archbishopric are nearing completion after their controversial demolition in 2021, with renovation costs exceeding €1 million.
The restored buildings on Patriarch Gregory and Isocrates streets will house a small synodical café for post-service gatherings and a library, with completion expected within weeks. Final works remain on windows, doors, flooring and electrical installations.
The project stems from public outcry following the buildings’ collapse on February 1, 2021.
While the former Archbishop attributed the collapse to age and rainfall, critics suggested the buildings were deliberately demolished to improve views of the new cathedral.
The incident gained widespread attention after philenews reported the demolition, triggering immediate reactions from professional bodies and the public.
Nicosia municipality officials who arrived at the scene deemed the demolition illegal, noting the buildings’ protected status and their preservation being a condition for the cathedral’s construction permit.
The demolition proceeded without prior notification to the Electricity Authority, raising additional safety concerns.
Technical consultant Stelios Georgiou confirmed renovation costs will exceed €1 million, while project coordinator Athina Aristotelous reported satisfactory progress.
The completion date was delayed from December due to construction setbacks.
The Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber (ETEK) president Konstantinos Konstantis had strongly condemned the original demolition, describing it as an unacceptable destruction of cultural heritage.
Under public pressure, the church committed to renovating the buildings, with Archbishop Georgios directing efforts toward achieving optimal results.
