The 72-year-old Shanghai Concert Hall, a renowned cultural icon of the coastal city, is preparing to "walk" 100 metres south to give way to a massive urban renovation programme, the hall's administrative office has revealed.

The operation will mark the largest and most difficult building movement project ever attempted in the city, an office representative said.

The hall is also expected to be turned around during the move, with its entrance shifting from the north to the south.

Wang, from the administration office, who refused to give his full name, said the project will kick off possibly in September after the scheme is finalized.

The whole project, with an expected cost of 50 million yuan (US$6 million), will be completed by next July.

The building's move will be combined with extensive renovation works in an effort to avoid any collapse or split, hall General Manager Miao Luming said in a previous press release.

"Our aim is to retain the precious cultural and historic value of the building," Miao said.

The renovated hall, to be located in grassland, will be prefect for classical arts.

Technicians are thoroughly checking the historic building in preparation for its short journey.

The 4,000-square-metre Shanghai Concert Hall, built in 1930 with a capacity of 1,122 people, was a masterpiece by Chinese architect Fan Wenzhao.

The building is known for its elegant and unique European architectural style which harmonizes classic music performances.

More than 100 artists and groups from China and abroad perform at the hall each year.

( China Daily August 2, 2002)