A multimillion-dollar gift made to the FEI two years ago by its president, Princess Haya, will see the world body move into new premises within months.
 Work in progress: the FEI's new premises in Lausanne. 
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The princess gave the federation 18.7 million Swiss francs ($US18.42m) to help with the purchase of the building, and an additional 13.7m Swiss francs ($US13m) for its refurbishment.
The building, in Lausanne, Switzerland, is due for completion in November, with staff scheduled to make the move in January.
It is understood national federations were invited this week to a pre-inauguration event at the building in October.
There has been little fanfare surrounding the princess's generosity. A small note on page 53 in the financial statement of the FEI's 2008 annual report noted the donations.
The note said that the funds would be manged through the "Fund for Building Renovation" created on the balance sheet. It said the building was recorded in the FEI's assets at the value of one Swiss franc at that stage.
The first part of the building was bought in September 2007 and the second part in February 2008 - the year the princess made her donations.
Since April that year, the reburbishments to the building, located in the centre of Lausanne between the city's commercial centre and the lake area, have been taking shape.
It is 10 minutes' walk from the main train station and has a brand new metro station in front of the building. It is a five-minute ride to the city centre or the lake.
The redesign meets the strictest environmental standards, with strong use of insulation and energy-saving in mind. Materials have been sourced locally and are required to be ecologically sound.
The building is on six levels (including the ground floor) and is 3800 square metres in total. The FEI will occupy the ground floor and the three floors above it. The top two floors will be rented out.
 Princess Haya |
The complex will provide a large cafeteria, landscaping with an outside garden path and wooden deck, 35 parking spaces, a conference area with multiple meeting rooms, small fitness and relaxation areas, a library, central open staircase, and an atrium connecting all FEI floors. The building will offer handicapped access.
The interactive gallery will have a sophisticated multimedia area to showcase the FEI sport disciplines.
There is the option to develop the space for media or other public presentations, and to change content as needed.
The architect was Khuan Chew, design principal for KCA International Designers Ltd, in its London office.
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