Ministry of Housing Removes Two Historic Buildings from Alexandria’s Architectural Heritage Registry

On September 8, 2024, the Egyptian Gazette published Decision No. 508 of 2024 issued by the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities. The decision pertains to the removal of two buildings, located at 48 and 50 Saad Zaghloul Street, with building code 1360, from Alexandria’s registry of buildings and structures of distinguished architectural style.

According to the Egyptian Gazette, the decision was made following a review of relevant legal frameworks, including the Constitution and Law No. 144 of 2006, which regulates the demolition of buildings that are not at risk of collapse and aims to preserve architectural heritage. The law’s executive regulations and amendments, along with other key decisions, such as Prime Ministerial Decree No. 2276 of 2006 outlining the criteria for buildings of architectural distinction, were also considered.

Additionally, the decision took into account Decree No. 243 of 2019, which delegated certain responsibilities of the Prime Minister regarding the registration, addition, or removal of properties under Law No. 144 of 2006. The ministry also reviewed the recommendations of Alexandria’s Permanent Committee for Architectural Heritage, as communicated in a letter from the Governor of Alexandria, dated May 2, 2024.

Article 1 of the decision officially removes the two buildings at 48 and 50 Saad Zaghloul Street from the architectural heritage registry, while the adjacent buildings at 44 and 46 will remain listed under the same code.

Article 2 mandates the publication of this decision in the Egyptian Gazette.