The Dragonara Casino has embarked on the complete restoration of the external colonnaded portico of its landmark casino building in St Julians.
The project was taken in hand after years of study by architects and Mepa on the best restoration methods which should be employed.
The company said the works will include a careful analysis of the state of the masonry and steel elements making up the structure, removal of all plaster works applied in previous years, cleaning and removal of salts from the masonry surfaces, restoration and repair of elements that are found to be in a satisfactory condition and replacement in extreme circumstances where deterioration has affected heavily the state of the masonry. The project will also include dismantling of certain sections. All stone blocks that are removed will be numbered so that they can be placed back in their proper position.
The works are being carried out by Aguis Stoneworks and are scheduled for completion in July.
The casino will continue to operate without interruption.