Practical work on the Media Village is expected to be completed by the end of this month, Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has announced.

Speaking to State media, HDC said painting, office partition installation, ceiling works, and other minor finishing works are currently underway, with all work expected to be completed by 31 July.

The corporation said it aims to complete all remaining work by 31 July.

The Media Village is being developed on the ground floor of the Manhattan Grand Hotel in Hulhumalé Phase One and will provide 34 spaces for media organisations.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has previously said the facility would be completed and opened for use by media organisations around the middle of this year.

The project is aimed at reducing the financial burden faced by media organisations that currently pay high rents for office space in private buildings.

President Dr Muizzu has said the facility will provide affordable office and studio spaces, allowing media organisations to direct more of their revenue towards developing the sector.