Engomi tenant alleges inaction over dangerous former Othello cinema building

Engomi, Cyprus. A businessman renting a store in the former Othello cinema building has accused the Nicosia district local government organisation (EOA) of failing to act on a structure it has classified as dangerous.

Vasilis Hadjigeorgiou, director of the company operating the store, said staff and customers continue to use the premises despite warning signs and fencing around the building.

Warnings and complaint

Hadjigeorgiou wrote to the EOA, saying that repeated warnings and correspondence had not resulted in substantive measures to address the risk.

He said that, during a meeting with an EOA official, he was told the building should be left to “collapse on its own and be demolished”.

According to Hadjigeorgiou, the building was first classified as dangerous on October 14, 2025. At that time, a fine was threatened if repair works did not begin within six weeks.

Further warnings were issued on March 12 and April 30, 2026. However, Hadjigeorgiou said no fine had been imposed by the competent authority.

Requested action

He said the building has been fenced off and marked with dangerous building signs, but no action has prevented continued use of the store, which he said exposes staff and customers to daily danger.

Hadjigeorgiou is seeking the immediate imposition of the fine and full action to eliminate the hazard. He said he had previously submitted a study outlining repair steps, a timetable and alternative scenarios, but had received no response.

He said he would pursue legal action and copied his complaint to human rights commissioner Maria Stylianou-Lottides and the independent anti-corruption authority.

EOA response

Nicosia EOA president Constantinos Yiorkadjis told the Cyprus Mail that the organisation was aware of the situation and intended to secure parts of the building.

He said the EOA would continue following the matter through further communication with the building’s owner.