Construction has officially begun on a new British High Commission compound in Nicosia, the mission confirmed on Wednesday. The development marks a major upgrade to the UK’s diplomatic

presence in Cyprus, with the project taking shape on the High Commission’s long-established site, once part of the former Central Prisons complex.

Valued at more than €40 million, the scheme is currently the largest underway across the UK’s global diplomatic estate. British officials say the investment reflects the depth of the UK–Cyprus relationship, while also delivering a substantial boost to the local economy. The prime contractor, Atlas Pantou, is a Cypriot-owned company.

The project includes the construction of a new High Commission office building, a dedicated security facility and a new official Residence for the High Commissioner. Designed to be carbon-neutral, the compound will contribute to Cyprus’s wider emissions-reduction goals and align with both countries’ commitments to addressing climate change.

Groundbreaking took place in December, with completion expected by November 2028. Until the new complex opens, the existing High Commission buildings will remain fully operational. Officials note that while temporary access routes may be introduced during construction, consular and diplomatic services will continue uninterrupted. Photo by N236ik, Wikimedia commons.