Demolition of building closes Nicosia roads

Demolition is underway on the old Bank of Cyprus building on Makarios Avenue opposite City Plaza as part of the road and nearby streets were closed off to facilitate the work.

Nicosia municipality said that on Wednesday and Thursday, August 24 and 25, from 9am to 8pm the demolition work would continue at the intersection of Makarios and Stasandrou.

Parts of both roads will be completely closed to traffic, Makarios at the junction of Mnasiadou and Ayias Elenis, and Stasandrou on the junctions with Makarios and Ayias Elenis. Drivers are advised to follow traffic diversion signs.

According to reports the old bank building is to be replaced by a New York-style residential apartment block 30-floors high, which would make it the tallest building in the capital, following in the footsteps of Limassol.

Construction company Cyfield-Nemesis Group told Sigmalive it would be styled like luxury apartment blocks in New York with a lobby and a concierge at the entrance with a fully equipped gym and underground parking for residents. It will also be designed from scratch to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly. There is no timetable yet for construction.

As for the demolition, everything was stripped from the building including doors and windows, leaving only concrete and metal, which is being gradually taken down. Metal and concrete will be separated and sent for recycling. Water is also being sprayed from a special pump to reduce the dust. The site is expected to be cleared in two to three weeks.

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