Works on the City Gate Project have entered a new  phase focusing on the construction of the 'back stage' facilities adjacent to the old Opera House site, the Infrastructure Ministry said today.

This will entail the demolition of the Police Station and the ex-BOV building in South street. The demolition of the police station commenced today and is expected to be completed within three weeks, followed by the demolition of the ex-BOV building.

After the demolition works are completed, excavations works will start in South Street and Victory Street. These are expected to be completed in January 2012. Early next year the construction of the actual 'back stage' facilities will commence.

The ministry said the restoration works on the  Old Opera House have been completed, works on the foundations of the stand structure and the perimeter columns will commence shortly. 

Works on the 'substructure' of the Parliament Building are  at an advanced stage, and due for completion by the end of August. The  first steel structures are due to arrive on site by the end of July. The contractor is also expected to start the construction of the staircase core of the main Parliament Building towards the end of July.

Phase Two of the demolition of Freedom Square arcades, which commenced in early May is also progressing as planned, the ministry said. This phase consists of the preparatory works of the two staircases leading from the ditch to the new City entrance.

The production of the stone slabs to be used on the City Gate project are ongoing, under the supervision of the contracted quarry master at the Qala quarry.