Facelift for Town Hall and its environs

A World Bank-funded project is in the pipeline to enhance the surroundings of the Town Hall Square in Colombo and open the space to the public.

The landmark building in the capital city next to the Vihara Maha Devi Park has remained fenced and gated for many years. Due to the lack of lighting, the park seems unsafe at night, especially for women, denying the public the opportunity to experience the open space, the World Bank said.

The Metro Colombo Urban Development Project (MCUDP), under the concept of Open Spaces - Open Minds, will upgrade 50.8 hectares surrounding the Town Hall and open spaces within the Square with improved facilities and access to all public spaces while retaining the existing architectural and environmental character of the area.

The uplift would benefit the public, both visitors to the city and the residential population.

The MCUDP aims to provide pedestrians with safe, clean, and convenient walkways along primary, secondary and tertiary road networks, improving access to commercial and recreational spaces such as the Town Hall Square.Under the project, the road network around the Town Hall Square - the area bounded by Dharmapala Mawatha, Marcus Fernando Mawatha and C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha - will be upgraded.

Pedestrian sidewalks will be upgraded with better street lighting and soft landscaping to improve the functionality and the overall visual impact of the area.

The Town Hall premises will be upgraded to improve pedestrian access and linkages between the surrounding road network. The World Bank has committed US$ 213 million to the project while the Government contributes the remaining US$ 107 million of the estimated cost.