The government is to launch another hotel project in Colombo Fort, taking over the former Dutch Hospital (Transworks Building) opposite the one time Central Telegraph Office, a senior official of the Urban Development Authority said.
The adjoining car park and a land bordering Chatham Street and Hospital Street in Fort have also been identified for a tourist entertainment venue as part of the project, the official said.
“The former Dutch Hospital will be turned into a hotel in a manner that the ancient structure remains and the archeological value is preserved,” he said without disclosing details about the investors of the project.
At least two private buildings between Chatham Street and Hospital Street have been demolished to make way for the project while more buildings are also to be pulled down.The official said the hotel would also have a shopping mall and food court targeting the tourists.
Meanwhile existing private shops in the area have been given a plan by the UDA so that they develop the front areas of the shops giving them a look which preserves the archeological identity of the area.
Earlier the Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Asia Limited announced the purchase of six acres of state land facing the Galle Face green promenade for the development of a multi-use complex with high-end retail facilities, deluxe apartments and a 500-key luxury hotel to open in early 2014. |
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