Filenews 30 October 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
An important development project for the capital and the public administration is gradually proceeding to be implemented, with the submission of an application for urban planning approval for the construction of the new building of the Legal Service of the Republic in Nicosia.
The project, with a budget of €56 million plus VAT, is planned to be erected in the parish of Agioi Omologites, within the Municipality of Nicosia, in a total area of 4,260 sq.m. The area now falls entirely under the Public Use Zone Aa6, according to the decision of the Council of Ministers of January 19, 2022, which exceptionally allowed a revision of the urban planning coefficients.
The development provides for the construction of an 11-storey office building, with a total built area of 23,829 sq.m., of which 15,972 sq.m. concern the superstructure and the 7,857 sq.m. underground parking lots and infrastructure.
The building will reach a height of up to 50 meters and will be built in one phase, with an estimated implementation duration of 54 months (approximately 4.5 years) from the receipt of all the required permits.
Access will be via Apelli (entrance) and Sachtouri (exit) streets, while neighbouring plots will be configured as green and outdoor parking areas.
The project includes the creation of two underground parking levels with a capacity of approximately 230 vehicles, with 253 spaces in total, of which 23 are for people with disabilities (PWD). The outdoor and underground parking spaces will be accompanied by 450 sq.m. of green spaces and landscaped surrounding areas.
The new building will be able to serve up to 402 employees, while the daily number of visitors is estimated to not exceed 40. The study envisages high energy efficiency measures, with the aim of approaching the "almost zero energy consumption" standard, making it one of the most modern public buildings in the country.
According to the architectural plans, the outer shell will combine fiber-reinforced concrete cladding, an aluminium louvra in a champagne shade, aluminium sandwich panels and structural curtain wall type glass curtains. The interior and exterior spaces will be lined with Chiaro Romano travertine marble, while the surrounding area will be landscaped with local flora species, contributing to the aesthetic integration of the building into the urban environment.
The geotechnical study showed that the presence of groundwater is limited, located at depths of 7.5–10.5 meters and is not expected to affect the excavations. The nearest natural water recipient is the Pedieos River, at a distance of about 300 meters west of the development site.
The implementation of the project is estimated to contribute significantly to the upgrading of the administrative and urban fabric of Nicosia, bringing together critical public services in a modern, functional and energy-efficient building. At the same time, it will boost employment during the construction phase and improve the administrative efficiency of the Legal Service of the Republic.
The development area of the proposed project is located in an area with mainly public, commercial, office and residential land uses. In the current situation, the area functions as a parking lot and to the southeast it is adjacent to the road of primary importance, Demosthenes Severis Avenue. In the wider area, north and south of the development area, public and office developments, as well as residential uses, are located. Near the site, along Demosthenes Severis Avenue, there are also gas stations, commercial developments and restaurants. It is worth noting that west of the development area there is a green area / park.
According to the project's designers, during the operational stage, positive effects on the urban and functional character of the area are generally expected, as its presence contributes to the upgrading of the urban environment and the rational spatial organization. The concentration of public services in a modern and functional space is expected to enhance the cohesion and functionality of the urban fabric. In addition, the development area will be upgraded with a modern and unique architectural approach, renewed building facilities and upgraded green spaces.
At the socio-economic level, the project is expected to have a positive impact by improving accessibility to public services, strengthening local administrative functioning and creating new jobs for the staff employed in its operation.
An increase in traffic in the area can be considered as a possible negative impact, with a corresponding increase in nuisance and exhaust emissions from vehicles. However, the creation of parking spaces, the appropriate configuration of the accesses according to the prescribed standards, as well as the targeted landscaping of the area are expected to significantly mitigate the relevant effects.
