**Title: Former Othello Cinema in Engomi Declared Dangerous, Owners Fined Amid Health Concerns**
The former Othello cinema in Engomi has been officially classified as a dangerous structure following an inspection that revealed significant structural deterioration. The Nicosia district local government organization (EOA) announced the decision on Tuesday, citing public health concerns regarding the conditions inside the building.
In September 2025, a private civil engineer conducted a visual inspection of the property after receiving a complaint about its condition. The findings were alarming, with the inspection identifying severely cracked and deteriorated concrete, leading to the conclusion that the building posed risks to both occupants and passersby.
The EOA communicated the need for urgent studies and remedial measures to the owners in October 2025 and again in March 2026. However, the owners failed to take substantial action, and difficulties in communication among the co-owners hindered progress. In response, the EOA fenced off parts of the building, including the rear and parking area, in April to mitigate safety risks.
Despite the fencing, several civil engineers have been appointed by the owners, and multiple proposals have been submitted to address the identified dangers. Nonetheless, the lack of consensus among the co-owners has stalled any meaningful implementation of these proposals. The EOA has made efforts to facilitate communication between the owners, but these attempts have not yielded results.
As a consequence of the owners' inaction, the EOA is now moving forward with an administrative fine, having determined that the owners did not comply with the necessary requirements to rectify the situation. The interior of the building has also been deemed a significant health hazard, with reports indicating the presence of piles of rubbish, discarded flammable materials, dead animals, and unsanitary conditions including animal and human waste.
A municipal assessment conducted earlier this year further highlighted the presence of stagnant water and a flea infestation within the premises. Concerns about public safety have prompted political attention, with Alma MP Irene Charalambides labeling the property a “ticking health bomb” and questioning the government on measures to protect the public.
The situation has escalated following a complaint from a businessman operating a shop within the building. Vasilis Hadjigeorgiou, director of the company running the store, expressed frustration over the EOA's perceived inaction despite repeated warnings. He noted that staff and customers continued to access the premises, which had been marked with danger signs and fenced off. Hadjigeorgiou has called for the immediate enforcement of the fine and for decisive action to eliminate the hazards, warning that he may pursue legal measures if necessary.
In addition to the ongoing health and safety concerns, a technical study of the building has revealed extensive structural damage and weakened concrete, recommending demolition as the most viable solution. The majority owner, who holds over 70% of the property, has initiated procedures for demolition; however, significant progress has yet to be made.
Constantinos Constantis, president of the technical chamber (Etek), has criticized the authorities for their slow response, advocating for mandatory structural inspections to prevent similar situations in the future. He emphasized the need for proactive measures rather than reactive responses to warnings regarding dangerous structures.
As the situation develops, the community remains on alert regarding the potential risks posed by the Othello cinema, with calls for swift action to ensure public safety and address the deteriorating conditions of the property.