Galle Fort ‘Dutch Hospital’ to be opened

* Modern shopping complex with old world charm to enhance landmark in southern town
* UDA to restore additional historic locations

Hot on the heels of the Floating Market opening, the landmark ‘Dutch Hospital’ building within the Galle Fort, refurbished by the Government as an exclusive modern shopping complex while maintaining its old world charm, will be opened this week.

Urban Development Authority (UDA) officials who undertook the demanding task of restoring and developing the Galle Dutch Hospital had completed the project, preserving its original architectural aspect said officials. It is to be opened on 28 August.

The exterior has been changed to make it a unique and sophisticated building within the locality. The internal ambiance blends with modern facilities which have been developed while maintaining its original architectural designs, a statement posted by the official Government website said.

The complex will include gems and jewellery shops, tea and spice shops, antiques, collectibles shops, a traditional Ayurveda spa and food shops.
“Along with the Dutch Hospital, the UDA has taken the responsibility of restoring all historic places in Galle,” it added.

With the success of the redevelopment of the Colombo Dutch Hospital project, the Galle Fort is sure to be a cynosure of old world charm coupled with modern amenities that would draw in both local and foreigners in their numbers.

The 400-year-old historic Fort in Galle was built by the Portuguese. This 52-hectare citadel was one of the most important stops along the ancient spice route. Due to its historic importance it was announced a UNESCO Heritage site.

In 1640, the Dutch East India Company took over the fort and built a three kilometre rampart wall and 14 bastions that stand till this day. With the British taking control of the island, the once important trading post began to lose importance and gradually was neglected.

Under the heritage building development project, steps were taken to renovate the buildings in the Galle Fort. Under the direction of Secretary Defence and Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa, plans were drawn to give this Fort a facelift and put it to good use.

The Galle Dutch Hospital was renovated by the Sri Lanka Army’s Engineering Services Regiment, under the instructions of the Project Management Department of the UDA.

http://www.ft.lk/2014/08/27/galle-fort-dutch-hospital-to-be-opened/