nicosia archaeological — nicosia archaeological — The contractor responsible for the new Archaeological Museum at the former Nicosia hospital site is seeking a 500-day extension to the project timeline. This request was revealed by the Public Works Department during a session of the Parliamentary Transport Committee.
Construction commenced on 9 January 2023, with an initial completion date set for July 2026 and a total project cost of €143,924,216. Eva Iordanous, representing the Public Works Department, indicated that the contractor’s requests are currently under review, although acceptance of all requests is not guaranteed. She assured that any adjustments would not lead to significant additional financial burdens.
The contractor has submitted 20 requests for extensions, citing various factors including adverse weather conditions, recent strikes affecting concrete supply, and unforeseen additional work initially not accounted for in project studies. A response to these requests is expected at the beginning of the new year.
Among the specific issues raised, a previous report from Phileleftheros highlighted that some requests pertain to structural changes requiring additional supports, as well as delays caused by announcements from the Labour Inspection Department that halted work due to extreme temperatures.
Significantly, the contractor’s claims include delays linked to concrete remnants from previous constructions dating back to the British colonial era, which were discovered during excavation. Iordanous noted that despite these challenges, the project remains demanding, particularly due to the presence of a river at the site.
A spokesperson for the consortium, however, contended that the observed delays are justified, asserting that the original completion timeline was overly ambitious. They expressed confidence in overcoming major issues and maintaining a steady workflow. Currently, about 130 workers are actively engaged at the site, including iron workers, builders, and technicians, with plans to increase this number to 250 as the project progresses.
The museum is set to encompass a total area of 30,000 square metres, constructed on a 40,000 square metre plot. It will feature permanent exhibition spaces of 5,500 square metres accommodating approximately 6,500 antiquities, alongside 1,000 square metres for temporary exhibitions. Facilities will also include educational programme spaces, conservation workshops, underground parking, and a range of amenities such as a restaurant, café, library, and an amphitheatre.
Significantly, landscaping will enhance the museum’s surroundings, including a public square with a fountain, contributing to an improved city centre aesthetic. While the underground parking will be visible from ground level, it will also serve as storage and workshop areas for the museum’s operations, designed to safeguard the valuable exhibits.
As the project evolves, the anticipated completion has now been extended to 2028, factoring in an additional 18 months required for museographic work, including the installation and transfer of exhibits. This timeline reflects the complexity of creating a facility dedicated to preserving and showcasing Nicosia’s rich archaeological heritage.
