The new National Art Gallery, Singapore in the heart of the civil district remains on track to open in 2015 after the SG$530m (£265m, EUR316m, US$422m) scheme moved onto its next phase.

Housed in the former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings, the new visual arts institution has been designed to position Singapore as a regional and international hub when complete.

The 60,000sq m (645,835sq ft) attraction is to comprise two permanent core galleries dedicated to Singaporean and Southeast Asian works, as well as two rooftop civic spaces.

Work has been carried out to stabilise and strengthen the existing façades of the building, as well as improvements to interior elements. Detailed exhibition design work has also started. Takenaka - Singapore Piling Joint Venture is the lead construction contractor.

Studio Milou Architecture and CPG Consultants were appointed as principal consultants to design and build the new National Art Gallery, Singapore in May 2008.

Michael Koh, CEO of both the gallery and the National Heritage Board, said: "We are excited to see the original fabric of the buildings slowly becoming evident and we can now catch a glimpse of how these iconic buildings were constructed almost 80 years ago.

"We look forward to showcasing this slice of previously hidden history to the public when we open in 2015."

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that a new director is to be appointed to succeed Koh as CEO of the National Art Gallery, Singapore, who has held the post for nearly three years.

Koh will remain as CEO of the National Heritage Board following the appointment of his successor, and will continue to serve on the National Art Gallery, Singapore board.

Details: www.nationalartgallery.sg