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The project is to be implemented until the 2018 National Song and Dance Festival, and the reconstruction is to commence at the beginning of summer, said Poga.

The first reconstruction phase will cost EUR 23,176,157. Of this amount, 43% will be spent on reconstruction of the spectator area, 22% on various equipment in the spectator area, 25% on transport infrastructure, and 10% on utility systems.

The first round of the reconstruction project was originally estimated to cost EUR 18 mln. According to Poga, the estimate had to be raised as the original one was calculated back in 2009, and new regulations on Mezaparks neighborhood came into force in 2013.

The total area of the complex, 92,000 square meters, will increase by about 50,000 square meters.

Temporary wooden choir stands will be set up for the 2018 Song and Dance Festival, and the maximum number of choristers performing on the stage at a time will increase from 7,510 now to 9,802. The spectator area will increase to 22,197 square meters, and the seating capacity - from 23,000 now to 30,557 in 2018.

The project also envisages construction of four towers to improve lighting of the stage and radio and TV broadcasts, and new underground facilities will be built - public toilets, retail outlets, first aid rooms, and an information center.

According to the Riga City Council Property Department's Director Olegs Burovs, a tender for reconstruction of the Mezaparks Grand Stage will be announced on January 10. The winning bid will be selected by Easter.