The preparatory works consisted of site clearance and the erection of a temporary steel support structure to protect the wall during the initial stages of site development. The works were executed within an extremely tight site area.

Aside from the due consideration given to the protected structure and monuments (some of which formed part of the structure), all work had to be carried out with the utmost  care and sensitivity to the relics within the cemetery, some of which became exposed during the early stages of excavation. A team of archaeologists were employed before commencement and an archaeological management plan was implemented to minimise or eliminate the potential impacts of the development on the archaeological deposits on-site.