“”We’re probably 85 per cent through phase one (the renovation of the old building and the construction of the extensions) and probably 45 to 50 per cent through stage two (the renovation of the performance hall),” said Mr Thompson.

“As much of the original features on the hall will be retained as possible, such as the old ridge vents on the roof, although they will be spread out a bit more.

“The new extensions will have pretty much everything for a modern office environment.

“Something like this is purpose made for people to sit and work in and that will come through in the finished building, lots of people have spent lots of time designing it.

“The scaffolding on the tower should be up for another two weeks and the painting should be finished at the end of this week.

“The new sub-station has arrived and is expected to be completed by late-February,” said Mr Thompson.

The new building will also house a command centre, from which all the emergency services can run their operations should a local disaster situation develop and the building will have an emergency generator installed so the centre can cope in the event of a power loss.