Antigua and Barbuda’s new National Performing Arts Centre remains on schedule to be handed over to the Government by September 30, giving officials approximately one month to prepare the venue for the opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.

Minister of Social and Urban Transformation and National Housing Chairman Rawdon Turner gave the latest construction update to Cabinet on Wednesday.

The centre, being developed at the former Deluxe Cinema site in St John’s, has entered the final stage of construction.

Seats are being installed, exterior finishing work is underway and audiovisual and other technical systems are expected to be fitted in the coming weeks.

The equipment will then be tested to ensure that the facility is ready to host the CHOGM opening ceremony and other major events.

Antigua and Barbuda will welcome Commonwealth leaders and delegations for CHOGM from November 1 to 4.

Cabinet also received an update from the Ministry of Works on an accelerated road rehabilitation programme in and around St John’s.

Roads surrounding the Performing Arts Centre will receive immediate attention, along with Market Street, High Street, Newgate Street and St Mary’s Street.

The ministry is aiming to complete the identified roadworks in the capital by the end of September.

The Antigua Public Utilities Authority is expected to complete pipe upgrades in the area within approximately one week, clearing the way for resurfacing without the risk of newly repaired roads being excavated for planned utility work.

Road construction is also expected to begin shortly along the Burning Flames Highway, Hodges Bay Main Road and selected roads in the English Harbour area.

Cabinet acknowledged that preparations for CHOGM have accelerated several infrastructure projects but maintained that the improvements will benefit residents, businesses and motorists long after the international meeting concludes.

Once completed, the Performing Arts Centre is expected to accommodate cultural productions, conferences, national ceremonies and major international gatherings.