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Time of India

UP Tourism breathes new life into historic sites through adaptive reuse

Heritage monuments and buildings like the Kothi Darshan Vilas, (left), through PPP mode will be renovated and used as either hotels, cafes, restaurants, libraries or cultural centres. Plans also include turning the under-renovation Butler Palace into a cafe-cum-library which may look something like the room depicted above (Image generated by AI; for representational purposes only) Lucknow is home to time-honoured landmarks that outshone the passage of time, and continue to attract visitors to the city's rich legacy of culture, craft and architecture. As art, culture and heritage take centre stage globally, Lucknow is undergoing a heritage revamp led by the Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Cultural Department. These heritage buildings, once architectural icons, are now being restored to their former glory through adaptive reuse . The Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Cultural Department, after revamping sites like Rumi Darwaza, the Residency and Bara Imambara, is now focusing on turning time-worn and dilapidated heritage sites into boutique hotels and vibrant cultural spaces. An AI generated image of the Chhatar Manzil as a boutique hotel (left) while plans for Butler Palace (right) include a cafe, library and space for cultural events Sites in the queue for a heritage makeover Chhatar Manzil Kothi Gulistan-e-Eram Kothi Darshan Vilas, Qaiserbagh Alambagh Bhawan (Kothi Alamara) Butler Palace Hulas Khera (Mohanlalganj) Adaptive reuse can include... Boutique Hotels Cultural Spaces Restaurants and Cafés Book Cafés and Libraries Event Venues Interactive Museums Art Galleries Speaking about the initiative, Mukesh Kumar Meshram, Principal Secretary, Tourism and Culture Department shares, 'The main objective is to preserve the culture, history and our architecture that is a rooted part of our city by transforming these sites to open for the public in a way people can interact, learn and explore our city's rich legacy. Adaptive reuse can breathe new life into Lucknow's historic landmarks. What helps in the surge of tourism is culture, cuisine, craft, architecture, heritage, and, secondly, nature. The aim is to open it for people to gather information, learn and simultaneously we conserve and preserve our rich heritage.' One of the most iconic sites, Chhatar Manzil or Umbrella Palace, once a royal residence of the Nawabs of Awadh and their wives built by Nawab Saadat Ali Khan, is now set for a makeover as a boutique heritage hotel. Meshram revealed, 'We have already submitted the proposal to adapt Chhatar Manzil into a heritage hotel. It has been given to the Suryagarh Palace developers. They've submitted the plan and work has started. They are getting architects and conservationists for the revival and revamp of Chhatar Manzil, layered with architecture.' BCCL (@Navneel Neeraj) Plans also include developing the banks of the Gomti as a cultural hub. 'We are planning to create spaces for Kathak performances, dastangoi, these are legendary crafts of Lucknow. Activities will include exhibits of Awadhi cuisine and displays of regional handicrafts like chikankari,' said Meshram. The aim is to give an immersive experience of the culture through this boutique stay. 'Chhatar Manzil is a beautifully placed palace along the banks of Gomti, and a boating experience can be great for visitors to enjoy.' The Chhatar Manzil makeover is slated for completion by November 2026, as mentioned by him. Alambagh Palace MORE LUCKNOW HERITAGE SITES TO RESTORED AND REVAMPED Beyond Chhatar Manzil, several other sites are in the queue for being brought into adaptive reuse. 'At Kothi Gulistan-e-Eram the process is ongoing. The idea is to lease the property to private players to restore the building. With the condition that they must maintain the historical architectural features. For that purpose, they will conduct the conversion, retrofitting, and structural modifications, and they can utilize these buildings for public spaces, boutique hotels, cultural exhibits, art events, book cafes, and restaurants. ' These revamped Cultural sites will showcase the culture of Awadh, serve authentic cuisines, display our art, music, and craft that define our art and culture, he shared. The director general of UP Tourism also hinted at plans for Hulas Khera, an ancient village near Mohanlalganj. He stated, 'It is a 3000-year-old site spanning over 80 acres, where excavations have revealed a cultural sequence. That is also getting planned to restore and develop into an open-air museum, and how excavation is done, making it open for the public to go.' -Amina Ashraf