Work begins on millennium centre

Materials used to build the centre will reflect Wales

Contractors move in this week to start preliminary work on the site of the Wales Millennium Centre, the waterfront arts centre that will be the centrepiece of Cardiff Bay.

A team of drilling experts is testing the ground in preparation.

The site, opposite the National assembly building, is situated over part of a former dock.

A hoarding at the site gives a glimpse of things to come

Work proper will begin in May after engineers have examined the results of the preliminary test pilings being sunk this week.

This summer, professional artists and young people will decorate the hoardings surrounding the site.

The hoardings will feature peep holes so local residents and visitors can see progress being made on the building project which is expected to be complete in 2002.

Wales Millennium centre chairman, Sir Alan Cox, said: "We have been planning and preparing for this day for a long time.

"A huge amount of expertise and effort has gone into ensuring that the design, the specifications and the objectives of the Wales Millennium centre will give Wales the international venue for the arts it deserves."

'Unmistakably Welsh'

A spokesman for contractors AMEC said the use of slate blocks for the walls and Welsh hardwood and steel were unusual, but would give the centre an unmistakably Welsh feel.

The Wales Millennium Centre will cost £70.2m and is funded by the Millennium Commission, the Arts Council of Wales, the National Assembly for Wales, the European Commission and the private sector.

Once complete the centre will provide jobs for more than 350 people.

It will house a theatre, exhibition space, youth residential centre, a roof garden, shops, cafes and bars.