The Arcade Independence Square is a shopping complex housed in a group of renovated buildings including the former Jawatta Lunatic Asylum (later known as the Auditor General’s building) and the former Western Provincial Council Building. It was built as a part of the Independence Square Redevelopment programme initiated by the Sri Lankan Government.
The building was originally constructed in 1889, as a lunatic asylum, Jawatta Lunatic Asylum (also known as the Cinnamon Gardens Asylum), for Rs 450,000. In 1875 the then Governor, Sir William Gregory, based on the recommendations of the Principal Civil Medical Officer, Dr. W R Kynsey, decided to build a new aylum to replace the existing facility at Borella. Issues over the location and design meant that construction did not commence until 1879, following the intervention of the new Governor, Sir James Longdon. Even then further construction of the building was delayed until 1882. The building consisted of an entrance block, two patient wings (accommodating 400 patients) connected to the central administration and a boundary wall. Longdon defended the cost of the facility stating at the time, "The asylum is a series of one-storey buildings of the plainest type. The walls are of brick plastered, because of the climate plastering is found requisite for the preservation of buildings. There is no expensive ornamentation, or indeed any ornament at all, unless a short ungraceful and inexpensive tower over the entrance designed for the clock can be called an ornament. The enclosing walls are of ordinary cabook, such as is universally used for garden walls in Colombo. "The Jawatta Asylum suffered from overcrowding within years of completion, housing over 500 patients. In 1917 a new larger facility was constructed at Angoda, with all the patients being transferred from Jawatta by 1926.
The building subsequently housed the newly established University College. The building complex was then occupied by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), the Public Administration Department, Auditor General's Department and later the Government Analyst’s Department.
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. 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 2 years to fully renovate the structure at a cost of Rs 550 million. The 8,400 m2 (90,000 sq ft) shopping complex was officially opened by the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 13 July 2014.
The arcade also houses Sri Lanka’s first ever boutique cinema, 'The Empire Cineplex', run by Ceylon Theatres.
Post war Sri Lanka inspired a tapestry of development, framed into a comprehensive blueprint which has been consistently and meticulously crafted to create stunning new landmarks.
As a tropical country blessed with comfortable weather and inviting lush green surroundings, Sri Lanka inherently offers wonderful spaces for good living. The city development plan envisioned under the astute leadership of His Excellency the President, who has articulated the same in the Mahinda Chinthanaya, and ably implemented under the stewardship of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development attempts to weave in the main different “green spaces” within cities, in order to uplift the standard of city dwelling.
The beautification and development of the city of Colombo and its surroundings commenced immediately after the end of the war. The Sri Lanka Armed Forces contributed in their numbers and tremendous skill under the direction of the professionals of the Urban Development Authority, and rallied together to systematically refurbish the city’s dilapidated structures.
The beautification and development of the city of Colombo and its surroundings commenced immediately after the end of the war. The Sri Lanka Armed Forces contributed in their numbers and tremendous skill under the direction of the professionals of the Urban Development Authority, and rallied together to systematically refurbish the city’s dilapidated structures.
Poetry in architecture creating the impression that a beautiful city and a beautiful life is the right of every citizen of Sri Lanka.
The inspiration for these iconic creations stemmed from the desire to create “Expressions of Freedom”, which would present a tangible real-life experience to the multitude of people residing and visiting the capital city of Colombo. Spreading out from the capital, this philosophy of modern city planning and development will embrace the entirety of Sri Lanka, transforming a once ‘island nation’ into one of the most pulsating and dynamic countries in Asia.
Arcade – Independence Square is by far one of the most important refurbishment and development projects undertaken by the Ministry of Defence and the Urban Development Authority. Once the project was identified, converting the old Auditor General’s Building into one of the grandest and trendiest shopping and entertainment arcades in the Asian region became the focal point of the team. The Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Navy were entrusted with the task of demolishing the former buildings and reconstructing this 85,000 square foot national monument within a period of just 2 years. A team of young and enterprising architects were dispatched to Paris, France to gain international exposure to heritage buildings and the beautification of a well planned city. Many global locations and cityscapes were studied in meticulous details, in order to painstakingly create a masterpiece etched with the glory of a nation with a proud heritage. The location is the most outstanding attribute of Arcade – Independence Square. Historically significant and strategically located facing one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent landmarks, Independence Square, this location holds great value in terms of the actual positioning in the city and its beautiful surroundings. It is this space, which has formed the bedrock of the Arcade’s eye-catching presence.
An interesting collection of nooks, crannies and corners adorn the Arcade. From the street lamp to the paved cobblestone and the myriad little wooden adornments decorate the building. Special water features with a glass deck and the like hold the visitor spellbound, especially at night when the lights make the entire arena come alive. The landscaped garden with posies of many hues have been planned and created, to add a touch of charm, order and glamour to the exterior. From every little orifice that one would peek out from within the building, a stunning picture garden view will emerge. The intention of the planners was to create a complete experience of the entire arena. From a bird’s eye view, one would most certainly feel that a ‘picture postcard’ ambience is greeting them and inviting them to enjoy the pleasure of beautiful surroundings. The centerpiece adorning The Arcade’s atrium is the sculpture of a pride of lions. This is unique. Masterfully crafted in granite, this sculpture stands symbolic of Sri Lanka’s inherent strength, courage and grace.
The building subsequently housed the newly established University College. The building complex was then occupied by the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), the Public Administration Department, Auditor General's Department and later the Government Analyst’s Department.
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. 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 2 years to fully renovate the structure at a cost of Rs 550 million. The 8,400 m2 (90,000 sq ft) shopping complex was officially opened by the former President Mahinda Rajapaksa on 13 July 2014.
The arcade also houses Sri Lanka’s first ever boutique cinema, 'The Empire Cineplex', run by Ceylon Theatres.
Post war Sri Lanka inspired a tapestry of development, framed into a comprehensive blueprint which has been consistently and meticulously crafted to create stunning new landmarks.
As a tropical country blessed with comfortable weather and inviting lush green surroundings, Sri Lanka inherently offers wonderful spaces for good living. The city development plan envisioned under the astute leadership of His Excellency the President, who has articulated the same in the Mahinda Chinthanaya, and ably implemented under the stewardship of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and Urban Development attempts to weave in the main different “green spaces” within cities, in order to uplift the standard of city dwelling.
The beautification and development of the city of Colombo and its surroundings commenced immediately after the end of the war. The Sri Lanka Armed Forces contributed in their numbers and tremendous skill under the direction of the professionals of the Urban Development Authority, and rallied together to systematically refurbish the city’s dilapidated structures.
The beautification and development of the city of Colombo and its surroundings commenced immediately after the end of the war. The Sri Lanka Armed Forces contributed in their numbers and tremendous skill under the direction of the professionals of the Urban Development Authority, and rallied together to systematically refurbish the city’s dilapidated structures.
Poetry in architecture creating the impression that a beautiful city and a beautiful life is the right of every citizen of Sri Lanka.
The inspiration for these iconic creations stemmed from the desire to create “Expressions of Freedom”, which would present a tangible real-life experience to the multitude of people residing and visiting the capital city of Colombo. Spreading out from the capital, this philosophy of modern city planning and development will embrace the entirety of Sri Lanka, transforming a once ‘island nation’ into one of the most pulsating and dynamic countries in Asia.
Arcade – Independence Square is by far one of the most important refurbishment and development projects undertaken by the Ministry of Defence and the Urban Development Authority. Once the project was identified, converting the old Auditor General’s Building into one of the grandest and trendiest shopping and entertainment arcades in the Asian region became the focal point of the team. The Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Navy were entrusted with the task of demolishing the former buildings and reconstructing this 85,000 square foot national monument within a period of just 2 years. A team of young and enterprising architects were dispatched to Paris, France to gain international exposure to heritage buildings and the beautification of a well planned city. Many global locations and cityscapes were studied in meticulous details, in order to painstakingly create a masterpiece etched with the glory of a nation with a proud heritage. The location is the most outstanding attribute of Arcade – Independence Square. Historically significant and strategically located facing one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent landmarks, Independence Square, this location holds great value in terms of the actual positioning in the city and its beautiful surroundings. It is this space, which has formed the bedrock of the Arcade’s eye-catching presence.
An interesting collection of nooks, crannies and corners adorn the Arcade. From the street lamp to the paved cobblestone and the myriad little wooden adornments decorate the building. Special water features with a glass deck and the like hold the visitor spellbound, especially at night when the lights make the entire arena come alive. The landscaped garden with posies of many hues have been planned and created, to add a touch of charm, order and glamour to the exterior. From every little orifice that one would peek out from within the building, a stunning picture garden view will emerge. The intention of the planners was to create a complete experience of the entire arena. From a bird’s eye view, one would most certainly feel that a ‘picture postcard’ ambience is greeting them and inviting them to enjoy the pleasure of beautiful surroundings. The centerpiece adorning The Arcade’s atrium is the sculpture of a pride of lions. This is unique. Masterfully crafted in granite, this sculpture stands symbolic of Sri Lanka’s inherent strength, courage and grace.
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