Macao will start refurbishing the exteriors of buildings surrounding the city's historic center, so as to preserve the old districts' architectural integrity.
     According to Macao's Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau (DSSOPT), the first phase of work in the city's St Lazarus area will include some 36 old buildings in five different streets and take about two months. The work in San Ma Lou will be divided into five sections.
     Initial work on the buildings in the historic St Lazarus Parish has begun. This is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Macao, which comprises houses and two-storey buildings with both Chinese and Western architectural styles.

     The DSSOPT has carried out large-scale repairs and beautification in the St Lazarus area in 2003, restoring roads and buildings in a bid to promote the development of cultural and creative industries there.