Cyprus’ first crematorium is now expected to open in the summer of 2026, the Golden Leaves Cyprus Crematorium announced on Thursday. While the land has been cleared, construction has yet to begin, the crematorium’s director, Maureen Watt, told the Cyprus Mail.

Originally slated for completion by mid-2025, the project has faced multiple delays. The newly announced timeline marks yet another postponement before construction has even begun.

Asked about the current status of the project, Golden Leaves spokesperson Andreas Katsiis confirmed to the Cyprus Mail that while construction has not yet started, it is “expected to begin in June.”

In early January, Golden Leaves – formerly under the name MW Crematorium Cyprus – stated that work would commence “within the first half of the year”.

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However, by the end of the month, reports emerged suggesting that construction might not be completed until 2026, as no tender had yet been issued.

The crematorium has previously insisted that financial issues were not the cause of the delays, instead citing “various situations” without further clarification.

A spokesman for the Ayia Varvara village council, where the crematorium will be built, told the Cyprus Mail that an application had been submitted for an expansion beyond the initially approved plans. The council is expected to give its opinion on the matter in due course.

The facility will be built in the industrial area near Ayia Varvara, Paphos, on a plot exceeding 455,000 square metres. The crematorium itself will cover approximately 17,600 square metres – roughly the size of two football pitches – with a building area of 1,000 square metres. The estimated cost of construction is €4 million.

The two-level building will include a reception area, offices, a kitchen, restrooms and two chapels accommodating 100–200 guests for services and wakes.

The basement will house a preparation room, refrigeration for the deceased, an ash chapel, two cremation units and an abatement system (equipment dedicated to the removal of polluting substances).

In addition to 30 outdoor parking spaces, more will be available in the basement.

“Our goal is not to replace traditions but to provide an additional choice for those who wish to be cremated. We understand this is a new, unfamiliar concept for many that may challenge their beliefs and perceptions. That is why we are committed to providing full information, transparency and security”, Watt emphasised.  

Complete cremation services will start at approximately €900, excluding additional funeral home fees. Golden Leaves has stated that the facility will be accessible to all funeral homes and available “for all religious denominations and mourners.”

The crematorium also aims to operate in an environmentally friendly manner, using solar energy to minimise energy consumption, reducing emissions and offering biodegradable urns.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency in January, former director at Golden Leaves Neofytos Christodoulides, called for a simplification of cremation laws and procedures.

Currently, individuals wishing to be cremated must complete a special declaration form, which is then sent to the interior ministry for approval.

He noted that procedures in countries such as Greece and the UK were different and said that if the child or spouse of the deceased wanted to be cremated there, their wishes would be respected.

This, he said, was the kind of simplification of the relevant laws and procedures he hoped could be implemented in Cyprus, “especially in cases where someone dies suddenly without having completed the relevant application during their lifetime”.

Christodoulides has since left the project. He continues to work as a manager at Angel Guardians Funeral Home in Kato Paphos, alongside Golden Leaves director Maureen Watt.

Although Cyprus legalised cremation in 2016, no crematoriums have been built to date.