Filenews 26 July 2023
Almost two and a half years after the demolition of the listed buildings of the Archdiocese, next to the cathedral, a new timetable has been set for the completion of their reconstruction works and, if all goes well, the listed buildings will be delivered for use in a year.
However, there will be some differences since, according to the people of the Archdiocese, while there were three buildings with four uses on site, with the completion of the works, the houses remain three but the uses are differentiated. However, there is criticism and the position expressed that there were four buildings on the spot which are reduced to three.
The former Director of Town Planning, Mrs. Athena Aristotelous, who was assigned to monitor the works, told "F" that after the completion of the works there will essentially be two uses.
That is, the first building which is located closer to the house of Hadjigeorgakis Kornesios (demolished last) will function as a "small synodiko" and the third house (on the side of the Archdiocese) will function as an art gallery. In the house, which will be located in between the two, there will be a kitchen that will serve the needs of the other two houses.
In the middle building there was also a small floor which is being restored.
In the first house, where the small synodiko will operate, in the first phase works will be carried out that will reach the point where the roof will begin. Work will follow on the intermediate house and then on the third.
Replying to a relevant question, Ms Aristotelous said that some delay observed was due to the fact that an application for change of use of the buildings was pending before the Nicosia Municipality, which was approved, paving the way for the continuation of works.
Speaking on behalf of the Archdiocese, civil engineer Stelios Georgiou told "F" that work continues based on the new programming. We were waiting for the approval of the planning permission and we are proceeding normally, he said.
Replying to a question, he said that the whole restoration project will cost about €1 million.
