The contractor of the new Cyprus Archaeological Museum in Nicosia has formally requested a 500-day extension to complete the ambitious €144 million project, originally scheduled for delivery by July 9, 2026. The development was discussed this week before the House Committee on Transport, Communications and Works, prompting concern among MPs over yet another large-scale public project falling behind schedule.

>>Delays in Nicosia’s New Archaeological Museum Brought Before Parliament<<

According to the Department of Public Works, the contractor has submitted around 20 extension requests, citing a series of disruptions — from last summer’s record heatwaves and a 40-day concrete workers’ strike to additional structural and drainage works that were not included in the initial plans. Some of these changes stemmed from design studies prepared during the pandemic via Skype, which later required revisions once on-site conditions became clearer.

Eva Iordanous, a representative of the Public Works Department, acknowledged that “some of the requests are justified,” emphasizing, however, that the evaluation process is ongoing and no final decision has been made. The ministry expects to conclude its review of the extension claims by early 2026. She described the project as “exceptionally complex,” noting that engineers encountered unexpected technical challenges, including underground concrete remnants from British colonial-era structures and the presence of a river running beneath the site.

Despite the setbacks, Iordanous assured lawmakers that the project remains within budget and that no official request has been made for additional funding. So far, approximately €30 million worth of works have been completed out of a total cost of nearly €144 million, including the two basement levels and part of the underground parking area. Around 130 workers are currently active on site, with plans to increase staffing to 250 as construction progresses on the main exhibition halls.

Representatives of the Cyfield consortium, which is undertaking the project, rejected claims of unjustified delays, arguing that the original completion timeline was “unrealistic from the start.” “This is a work of art in itself,” said Cyfield executive Giorgos Chryssochos, stressing that most of the major technical obstacles have been overcome and construction is proceeding according to plan.

However, members of Parliament expressed frustration and skepticism. Marinos Moushiouttas, chair of the committee, demanded clarity on the percentage of the budget that should have been absorbed by now, while AKEL MP Kostas Kostas questioned why new studies were needed when the river’s presence was known from the beginning. “In Cyprus, delays seem to accompany every major public project,” he remarked.

An additional 18 months will be required after construction to transfer thousands of archaeological artifacts into the new building, meaning that even if the project is completed on the revised schedule, the museum may not open before 2028.