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Work began in February 2002 after the Welsh assembly gave the go-ahead

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By May 2002, the building's steel skeleton was being erected

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In early 2003, slate quarried from north Wales was put on the external walls

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The Donald Gordon Theatre within the Wales Millennium Centre is named after the businessman who donated funds to the project

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The doors opened for the first time to the public on Friday afternoon

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One side of the concourse will house restaurants, bars and shops

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Final touches are put to the upstairs gallery

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The trademark words are reflected in the bar's mirror

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Workmen at the side of the Donald Gordon theatre stage

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The Donald Gordon Theatre will seat 1,900 audience members

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Smaller performances will be held in the centre's studio space

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Like it or loathe it, the venue is a centrepiece of Cardiff Bay