Minister of Social and Urban Transformation and Chairman of the National Housing Development and Urban Renewal Company, Rawdon Turner, has given a firm assurance that the new National Performing Arts Centre in St John’s will be completed by September 30—just one month before Antigua and Barbuda hosts the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).

The state-of-the-art facility, being developed at the former Deluxe Cinema, will serve as the venue for the official opening ceremony of CHOGM 2026, scheduled for November 1–4.

“We will deliver on September 30,” Turner declared, as work continues at an accelerated pace on the landmark project.

According to the minister, the installation of seating is approximately 50 per cent complete, while crews have also begun fitting the exterior cladding. Cleaning and finishing work are simultaneously taking place throughout the building’s interior.

“Seats are being installed. We have a team installing them, and they are about 50 per cent completed. The exterior cladding is also being installed. Cleaning is taking place on the interior,” Turner said.

The redevelopment of the former cinema represents a major transformation of one of St John’s most recognisable buildings into a modern national venue capable of hosting high-level diplomatic, cultural and entertainment events.

Its completion is particularly significant as Antigua and Barbuda prepares to welcome heads of government, senior officials, delegates and other international guests from across the Commonwealth.

The CHOGM opening ceremony is expected to showcase the country’s culture, creativity and hospitality while formally setting the stage for several days of high-level discussions among Commonwealth leaders.

This year’s meeting will be held under the theme, “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.” Discussions are expected to focus on deepening cooperation, attracting investment and addressing shared challenges affecting Commonwealth countries, particularly small island developing states.

Antigua and Barbuda will become the centre of Commonwealth diplomacy during the four-day gathering, with meetings and associated activities being staged at several locations across the country.

Beyond CHOGM, the Performing Arts Centre is expected to provide a permanent home for major theatrical productions, concerts, conferences, national ceremonies and other cultural events. The project is therefore being positioned as both an essential part of the country’s CHOGM preparations and a long-term investment in the arts and the revitalisation of the capital.

With the September 30 deadline approaching, construction teams are now concentrating on seating, exterior works, interior cleaning and final finishes to ensure the facility is ready ahead of the historic gathering.