The Dragonara Casino Co Ltd has embarked on a prestigious project which entails the complete restoration of the external colonnaded portico around the four sides of the landmark building of the Dragonara Casino at St Julian’s. This initiation of this project comes after years of studying and evaluation by the Casino architects and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority, where after evaluating various methodologies, a Development Permit by Mepa was issued.

The restoration work comprises:

1.A careful analysis of the state of the masonry and steel elements making up the

structure

2.Assessing the methodology that needs to be adopted to carry out restoration which comprise:

a.Removal of all plasterworks applied in previous years

b.Proper cleaning and removal of salts from the masonry surfaces

c.Restoration and repair of elements that are found to be in a satisfactory condition

d.Replacement in extreme circumstances where deterioration has affected heavily the state of the masonry.

e.Restoration works will also include dismantling of certain sections.

f.All stone blocks that are removed are carefully numbered so that they can be placed again in their proper position

All the works are being monitored by a specialist in the restoration field engaged by Casino on behalf of of MEPA.

A tender for the works has been issued by Casino to specialist contractors and after careful analysis the tender was awarded last year to Aguis Stoneworks.

Works commenced on 21 January and will proceed in accordance with a programme of works agreed with the contractor. Completion is expected to be reached by the end of July of this year.

All safeguards have been taken to protect both the Casino employees as well as its patrons. In fact the Casino will operate without any interruptions throughout the execution of the works.