Arcade Independence Square
Total retail floor area 8,400 square metres (90,000 sq ft) | | |
No. of floors | 2 | |
---|---|---|
Website | arcadeindependencesquare |
The Arcade Independence Square is a shopping complex in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Housed in a group of renovated buildings including the former Jawatta Lunatic Asylum and the former Western Provincial Council Building, it was built as a part of the Independence Square Redevelopment programme initiated by the national government.[1]
History
The building was constructed in 1889 at a cost of Rs 450,000
The building subsequently housed the newly established
Renovation
In 2012 the Urban Development Authority commenced the renovation of the buildings and special care was taken to preserve their original architectural features whilst adding modern technological features and amenities.[1] The construction of the mall took approximately 200 soldiers and six months of work to clear the spaces and fully reveal the original structures. The buildings remain true to the original complex with no additions or alterations. It took nearly two years to fully renovate the structure[5] at a cost of Rs 550 million.[6] The 8,400 m2 (90,000 sq ft) shopping complex was officially opened by the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 13 July 2014.[7]
The arcade also houses Sri Lanka's first ever boutique cinema, 'The Empire Cineplex', run by Ceylon Theatres.[8]
References
- ^ a b "President declares open renovated Independence Square". Department of Defence. 14 July 2014. Archived from the original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
- ^ a b c Mendis, Nalaka (18 May 2013). "Jawatte Lunatic Asylum: the forgotten relict of the colonial era". The Island. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
- Sunday Times. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d Nazoor, Sara (20 July 2014). "Ornament of the City". Ceylon Today. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
- Sri Lankan Airlines. August 2014. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
- ^ Abeyratne, Dharma Sri (14 July 2014). "President opens Arcade Independence Square shopping complex". Daily News. Retrieved 22 June 2015.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "President opens Arcade Independence Square". News.lk. Department of Government Information. 14 July 2014. Retrieved 22 June 2015.
- ^ "Arcade Independence Square Colombo". George Steuarts Travel International. George Steuarts Group. Archived from the original on 20 June 2015. Retrieved 21 June 2015.