The Nicosia district authority (EOA) issued a statement on Wednesday claiming to clarify details of the controversial high rise to be constructed near the city’s mediaeval structures without however clarifying what type of offerings –whether residential, tourist, or mixed – are currently proposed.

The premises under debate would be constructed on a plot on Salaminos and Larnakos streets near the Venetian walls and Famagusta Gate and the department of antiquities has given three versions of proposal to-date the thumbs down.

In its statement, the Nicosia EOA said the initial application was submitted in 2020 to the municipality, requesting construction of a 37-storey hotel unit. The application was subsequently withdrawn by the investor due to a mismatch with preliminary recommendations given by the municipality.

In 2022, the investor returned to the municipality with a second application which concerned the construction of a mixed-use complex – residential, shops and hotel – in three separate buildings, with five floors on Salaminos, 17 floors on the corner of Salaminos and Larnaca avenues, and 24 floors further back on Larnaca avenue.

According to the EOA, the municipality decided to approve this development. However, due to the floors exceeding the area’s zoning limit, it sent the application to the urban planning department, as per statutory procedures. The planning department again refused consent, due to the objection of the antiquities department.

In 2024, the applicant returned with a third application, this time to the Nicosia EOA, which proposed a reduced number of floors to match the height of other licensed buildings in the area, such as the Jean Nouvel tower.

The Nicosia EOA’s licensing committee examined the application and unanimously agreed to once more seek the view of the director of antiquities. The later responded by letter in January 2025, reiterating for a third time the position that he did not consent.

The owner will be informed of this, the EOA said. The district authority sought to clarify that the area’s zoning provides for eight floors, with two additional floors permitted through the discretion of the urban planning department.