Dorita Yiannakou
The redevelopment of Tseriou Avenue consists of two parallel projects, creating confusion in the area and significant inconvenience for shopkeepers and residents. For several months, the area has effectively turned into a vast construction site, drawing complaints from both businesses and citizens.
The first project concerns the section of road from Tseri to the roundabout of "Theoktisto." Launched in February 2023, this project is being carried out under the supervision of the Department of Public Works, with the Iacovou-Cyfield Joint Venture as the contractor. Initially scheduled for completion in September 2025, it has now been extended to December 2025 due to unforeseen challenges.
According to George Xypsitis, Executive Engineer of the Department of Public Works, delays arose from difficulties in relocating underground cables and constructing the pipeline for the Vasilikos-Nicosia Water Development Project.
Upon completion of the €23 million project, Ippokratous Street and Tseriou Avenue will be linked to Lakatamia, while Argyroupoleos Street and Tseriou Avenue will connect to the GSP roundabout, Xypsitis explained. By December, four lanes of traffic will be opened to the public, with additional infrastructure including sidewalks, bike lanes, pedestrian crossings, and intersections with traffic lights. Approximately 3,000 trees will also be planted on road dividers, islands, and roundabouts. 
In December, 4 lanes of traffic will be completed on the stretch of road from Tseri to Theoktisto.
The Second Project: Further Delays and a Phased Approach
The second project, covering the stretch from "Theoktisto" to Strovolos Avenue, is managed by the Municipality of Strovolos and is also undertaken by Cyfield Construction Ltd. Work on this section began in October 2024, following a decade of planning and delays. The total project cost is €9.8 million (€9,836,275.20 plus VAT), with 80% funded by the State and 20% by the Municipality of Strovolos, following a Council of Ministers decision.
According to Strovolos Municipal Engineer Nassos Kolyvas, the first phase of construction is currently underway, with work set to shift to the opposite lane in the second phase. To minimize disruption to businesses, construction is being implemented in stages.
By Easter, the eastern section of Tseriou Avenue is expected to be fully asphalted, allowing excavation to begin on the western part. The goal, according to the contractor and the municipality, is to maintain a normal traffic flow in both directions. However, daily challenges arise, which are being addressed in collaboration with shopkeepers and residents, Kolyvas added.
The project is divided into six phases—three on the east side and three on the west—each taking approximately eight months to complete. The first two phases are expected to finish by the end of May.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Inquiries with Cyfield Construction Ltd revealed that some delays have been caused by adverse weather conditions and coordination issues between services. However, the company stated it is still too early to determine whether these setbacks will impact the overall project timeline.
The redevelopment includes the undergrounding of all telecommunication and utility services. Meanwhile, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) assured "K" that it responds promptly whenever called for work on Tseriou Avenue, denying any delays on its part.
Once completed, the project will introduce 275 new parking spaces, 18 pedestrian crossings, 14 bus stops, and 530 pavement basins for planting tall trees. These trees, chosen for their suitability for roadways, aim to reduce the heat island effect and absorb CO2 emissions.
The Municipality of Strovolos emphasizes that the project prioritizes road safety and commercial viability, ensuring that the street retains its local character while discouraging high-speed traffic. Sustainability is also a key factor, with efforts focused on reducing the carbon footprint of the area.
Planning for the upgrade of Tseri began in the 1990s, however, in 2003 the landmark decision was taken, which would allow the creation of shops, exhibition spaces, offices, department stores, supermarkets and shopping centers in the area.
*This article was translated from its Greek original
