I have now received a response from the Senior Project Manager who seemed to have been forbidden from giving out factual information without it being 'massaged' by a Communications Team"! Maybe he has been un-muzzled?
"We are currently awaiting the second contractor's estimate, as the first one did not meet required qualifications. According to the latest information, we expect to receive the pricing by the end of this week. If the estimate is reasonable, we will proceed to sign a contract, and the contractor will determine their mobilization timeline.
It's important to note that the ceiling contains hazardous materials that must be abated before repairs and painting can commence. The repair includes partial restoration of heritage mouldings, which requires a qualified contractor. The project will be carried out in small sections to accommodate the busy station commuters' traffic and nearby retailers. This phased approach may extend the overall timeline (perhaps 2 months), especially as certain phases, such as abatement and existing paint stripping, require time breaks in between.
For any additional inquiries or detailed information, please reach out to the Communication division. Regrettably, I won't be able to engage in further discussions within the public domain."