Two heritage buildings in Visakhapatnam to get a facelift

Two heritage buildings in Visakhapatnam will soon be getting a facelift. To be helmed by GVMC (Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation), the renovation works are expected to restore the old charm of Town Hall and Old Municipal Office building.

Visakhapatnam South MLA Vasupalli Ganesh Kumar launched the renovation works of the buildings at One Town on Sunday. Speaking at the event, Mr. Kumar said that it is GVMC’s responsibility to protect the heritage of the city. He further informed that conservation engineers would be involved in the renovation works to use corrosion-resistance carbon material. Reportedly, the conservation project will be carried out with Rs 11 crores under the Vizag Smart City Project.

GVMC Commissioner M Hari Narayanan informed that a New Delhi based organisation would carry out the facelift operations on Town Hall and Old Municipal Office buildings. As reported by TOI, Mr. Narayanan pointed out that care needs to be taken to restore the old glory of the two buildings.

The new move has been welcomed by the heritage enthusiasts of the city who feel that after getting a facelift, the two buildings will help in enhancing the legacy of Visakhapatnam.

Spread over 5000 sq yards, the Town hall was a prestigious place to be during the 1900s. With the sea visible at one end and the town on the other, it was a gift from the Maharaja of Bobbili to the public. The ‘Victoria Diamond Jubilee Town Hall’ commemorates the British Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

Showcasing Victorian architecture, this two-storied building is an impressive example of stone masonry, has a grand portico, large staircases, a huge tiled-roof, false turrets, and circular rooms. Not to be missed are its tiles from Mangalore, beams from Scotland and the grand wooden flooring.

The Old Municipal Office Building, on the other hand, was constructed in the 1930s and was used until the municipal office was shifted to a new location.