In the preparatory phase work was carried out to make the building sound and to prepare for reconstruction, including:

- fencing-off the building site - installing scaffolding around all the external facades of the building - removing the unsound wooden floors - opening and strengthening the window and door apertures in the existing parts of the building - chemical reinforcement of the subsoils and elimination of upward pressure from groundwater - a comprehensive study of the buildings from a constructional point of view - study of the subsoils to a depth of 45 metres

    At present preparation work is in progress for the removal of those parts of the building scheduled for dismantling and the diversion of utilities from beneath the construction area.