Crematorium Planning and Construction
Once the legal framework was in place, a team of experienced professionals began planning a facility that would meet European standards while respecting the cultural landscape of Cyprus. The site in Agia Varvara, Paphos, was carefully selected to provide privacy, accessibility, and a serene environment for families.
The design prioritises sustainability, dignity, and functionality, featuring state-of-the-art cremation technology that meets full environmental compliance, landscaped remembrance areas, and chapels accommodating services of all faiths or none. Construction is scheduled to be finished in 2027, with every aspect meticulously planned to ensure the crematorium will be a place that embodies our concept of a dignified farewell.
Maureen’s Vision
Back in 2008, Maureen began working with Golden Leaves Ltd., selling funeral plans across Cyprus. Around that time, she crossed paths with Clive Turner—a British expat living in Kamares, Paphos—who had already been campaigning to bring a cremation facility to the island. Clive had been actively gathering signatures and speaking with government officials, hoping to stir momentum for the cause. Inspired by the urgency and the gap in options for end-of-life care, Maureen joined forces with him. Together, they managed to collect thousands of signatures from residents who shared their vision.
By 2010, Maureen had met Neofytos Christodoulides, who would later become her business partner at Angel Guardians Funeral Home. Two years into their collaboration, Maureen brought up the topic of cremation once again. Her and Clive’s efforts had stalled, and she hoped to reignite the mission. Thankfully, Neofytos understood the growing demand. He had seen firsthand that many families served by Angel Guardians were leaning toward cremation. Supporting this observation, Maureen had discovered that an overwhelming 91.5% of expatriates living in Cyprus—not just those from the UK—preferred cremation as their first choice.
Determined to move things forward, Maureen and Neofytos travelled to Nicosia to re-engage with government officials. After persistent lobbying and countless meetings, Neofytos secured a preliminary license in 2016. Later, Maureen reached out to Steve Rowland and Barry Floyd of Golden Leaves Ltd., inviting them to support the initiative and help push the crematorium project into reality.
Today, with cemetery spaces dwindling and public attitudes evolving, the need for a local crematorium has never been clearer. At present, families in Cyprus face limited choices: burial—dependent on plot availability and often costing anywhere between €350 and €6,000—or overseas cremation, either through repatriation or a non-attended service in Vienna or Athens.
It’s a sobering reality that some people are laid to rest in ways that go against their final wishes, simply because cremation isn’t accessible where they chose to build their lives. Maureen’s vision was born from this very heartbreak and sparked the change that led to the creation of Golden Leaves Cyprus Crematorium.
