By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW): Urban Development Authority (UDA) announced calls for Request for Proposals (RFPs) to restore and develop two unique and iconic properties in the city of Colombo.
It has commenced the renovation of the dilapidated and historical buildings island-wide that are designated under the Department of Archaeology as economically viable adaptive uses. UDA Chairman Nimesh Herath said
Shopping malls and tourism-related activities have been earmarked for these building reserving their original architectural features whilst adding modern features and amenities.
These complexes are functioning as public spaces for shopping, hospitality, leisure and sports activities.
Herath emphasised UDA receives numerous requests from world-renowned hospitality sector operators for amenities, particularly for foreign visitors.
They want to establish specific amenities without compromising the location’s character. Historical structures are popular among tourists due to their historical significance and unique identities.
Several buildings with historical value which were constructed in the colonial period in Colombo and other main cities of the country such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Matara etc., are vested with the UDA.
These historical buildings often have unique and charming architectural features that have adaptive reuse market value and can be converted into high-end hospitality and leisure developments with conservation for future generations.
Therefore, UDA expects to explore these investment opportunities in the renovation of old dilapidated colonial buildings with the collaboration of the private sector investors while facilitating those investors for the said activities without Government financial support.
One notable project underway is the renovation of a building situated at No. 11, Sir Baron Jayatillake Mawatha, Colombo 01.
On the Colombo Fort map of 1840, this land parcel is bare land and in the 1867 map, it was marked as a post office and telegraph office. In 1906 it functioned as a DPI office and library.
It was built for the public library in 1914 and used as a Government office since 1948. In the 1970s and early 1980s, it was the Department of Information. Before being vested with the UDA, the building was occupied by Home Guard Headquarters under the Ministry of Defence.
Another exciting project on our horizon is the development of a high-end boutique hotel at No. 25, Independence Avenue, Colombo 07.
In line with a decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers, the property was vested with UDA to open the premises to the general public.
This property, nestled in the residential Cinnamon Gardens, stands as a testament to British colonial rule.
Surrounded by lush lawns, it was once exclusively enjoyed by the British executive community in Sri Lanka, the clubhouse is still patronised mainly by the upper classes of society.
