Welsh National Opera will be based at the centre

The centre will provide a permanent home for a range of artistic and cultural bodies including Welsh National Opera (WNO), the Urdd youth movement, and the dance company Diversions.

It is hoped the landmark building will open its doors by the end of 2004.

Plans for the Wales Millennium Centre emerged from the ashes of the ill-fated Cardiff Bay Opera House project which collapsed in 1995.

Inclusive aims

The lottery-funded Millennium Commission refused to back that scheme amid allegations of elitism and public criticism of the design by architect Zaha Hadid.

The Millennium Centre proposal was drawn up as a more inclusive venue for the arts in Wales.

The innovative design will use Welsh materials

Architect Jonathan Adams has proposed a "vision of slate and steel" to provide a landmark building for Wales in materials reflecting the nation's heritage.

The project was given cautious approval by the Welsh Assembly in April 2001 amid concerns about spiralling costs.

The final go-ahead was confirmed in January when members approved an increased contribution of �37m from the assembly budget.

The remainder of the �100m investment will come from the private sector, and grants from the Arts Council for Wales, the Welsh Development Agency and the Millennium Commission.

Jenny Randerson wants a landmark building

During the crucial assembly debate, Welsh Culture Minister Jenny Randerson stressed the importance of building the centre.

"This is a landmark project helping to define Wales both nationally and internationally," she said.

"It is a premier venue to showcase to the world existing and emerging Welsh talent."

But two Labour AMs refused to back the scheme claiming it was still an elitist waste of public finance.

One, the Blaenau Gwent AM Peter Law, described the project as a "financial albatross around the necks of taxpayers in Wales for the rest of their lives."