The National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain is to be temporarily shut down for repairs.

Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism Dr. Lincoln Douglas said this is because of a number of infrastructural flaws and health and safety concerns.

Speaking at Thursday's Post Cabinet Media Briefing, he said a report from the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure found significant weaknesses in the structure of the building.

NAPA was built by the Chinese firm Shanghai Construction, under the People's National Movement, and was opened in November 2009.

From the beginning, there were concerns about the quality of construction.

In April 2014, NAPA was partially closed after it was deemed unsafe by the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Authority.

An Engineering Evaluation was done and the report was sent to the Cabinet and Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

Minister Douglas said the final determination is that NAPA will be closed indefinitely.

“It is as a result of health and safety concerns that come with being occupied with a long period of time, both in terms of air quality and physical structure of the building.”

The Minister said his Ministry is working on an evacuation and closing strategy for NAPA, as it houses a restaurant, hotel and a branch of UTT.

“There is a school there, the Theatre and the UTT, that is the main part of the building that is being used so we have to exit gradually.”

The Minister said he will hold a formal Conference next week detailing the state of NAPA, the results of the report and the recommendations for the repair works.

The Multiculturalism Minister said all precautions will be taken as they make arrangements to vacate NAPA.