In Nicosia, the path has officially been cleared for the implementation of one of the largest state construction projects of recent years. Cyprus’s Department of Environment has issued a permit for the construction of a new building for the Law Office, which will be erected next to the department’s existing offices. According to the data presented in the environmental impact assessment report and the final permit, the project involves a modern 11-storey administrative complex that is expected to significantly upgrade the infrastructure of the capital’s central area.
The total cost of the project is estimated at €56 million excluding VAT, while the amount including tax reaches €66.64 million. This makes the future complex one of the most expensive state facilities planned in Nicosia in the coming years.
Implementation timeline and future load
Construction works, following the receipt of all necessary documents, will last approximately 54 months. The new complex is designed to accommodate around 400 employees, while the estimated daily number of visitors is about 40 people. This indicates that the facility will become an important center of legal and administrative activity, affecting both traffic load and the area’s business life.
Where exactly the new building will be located
The building will be constructed in the Agios Amologites parish on land plots numbered 933, 934, 935, and 783, with a total area of 4,260 m2. At the same time, plots 933 and 934 will be partially converted into green areas and open parking spaces, which is expected to improve the urban landscape and conditions for visitors and staff.
The project provides for the creation of two underground parking levels with a total area of 7,857 m2 for 230 vehicles, occupying the entire area of the four plots. In total, the complex will have 253 parking spaces, 23 of which are intended for people with disabilities. The parking distribution is planned as follows: 24 spaces at ground level, 97 at level –1, and 132 at level –2.
Architecture and building parameters
The total built area is estimated at 15,972 sq. m, while the coverage area amounts to 1,651 sq. m. The building height will not exceed 50 meters across 11 floors, which complies with the urban planning requirements for the Aa6 public-use zone in which the project is included.
According to the architectural plans, the floor areas are distributed as follows: level –1 will include 3,965 sq. m, level –2 — 4,162 sq. m, ground level — 1,651 sq. m, the first floor — 1,352 sq. m, and floors 2 through 10 — 1,441 sq. m each. Access to the building will be provided via the existing road and pedestrian network, with entry to the underground parking from Apelli Street and exit via Sahtouri Street.
Why the project was delayed earlier
Back in 2023, a tender was announced for the construction of the Law Office building with an estimated cost of €45 million excluding VAT. However, it was cancelled by the Department of Public Works due to budgetary constraints, as officially reported at the time by the Ministry of Transport. For the same reason, plans to construct new buildings for the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works were also postponed during that period.
In addition, it was in 2023 that the project faced serious criticism from the Audit Office and the Cyprus Scientific and Technical Chamber, which expressed concerns about the feasibility and cost of the construction. The revival of the project in its current format indicates that the state has nevertheless decided to return to the idea of creating a modern legal center, despite the increased budget and past doubts.
What this means for Nicosia
The construction of the new Law Office complex will be a notable event for the capital. In addition to creating a modern working environment for hundreds of employees, the project will influence the development of the area, increase business activity, and boost demand for nearby commercial real estate. In the long term, this may also affect property prices in euros, especially in the central districts of Nicosia, which are traditionally considered the most attractive for investment and business.