Historic Lalkuthi set to reopen after major restoration

Renovation work on the historic Lalkuthi (Northbrook Hall), a 152-year-old architectural heritage site from the British era, is in its final stage and the building is expected to reopen soon.

Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Superintending Engineer (Civil) and Project Director of the Lalkuthi Renovation Project, Rajib Khadem, told the media that restoration work on the red-brick structure began in 2023 and has now been mostly completed, reports state news agency BSS.

“The work has been completed after almost three years. Some decorative work related to the red-brick architectural features is still left,” he said.

He said the building had long been neglected and was even used as a warehouse.

“Furniture and books from the British period were found in poor condition. Later, DSCC took the initiative to restore the site,” he added.

Khadem said special care was taken to preserve the original structure.

Interior of the library at Johnson Hall of Lalkuthi after the renovation work. Photo: Collected

“Skilled workers experienced in traditional architectural conservation were engaged. Special materials were used to protect the walls from fungus. The building has been restored close to its original form,” he said.

He also said rare books from the colonial period have been preserved.

“We are planning to reopen Johnson Hall as a library for visitors and researchers. Work is underway,” he added.

There are also plans to install signboards explaining the historical importance of the site.

Lalkuthi is located on the bank of the Buriganga River at the junction of Farashganj and Shyambazar, opposite Sadarghat Launch Terminal (Lalkuthi Ghat). Artificial fountains in front of the building have added to its beauty.

Professor Dr Nasir Ahmad of the History Department at Jagannath University said the building was constructed in 1874 to mark the visit of George Baring Northbrook, the then Governor-General of India.

“It was inaugurated on May 25, 1880 and named Northbrook Hall by Dhaka’s elite. It hosted meetings and formal gatherings of colonial officials and prominent citizens,” he said.

He said the structure was later turned into a library in 1882, while Johnson Hall was added as a clubhouse.

“The library started with a small collection, which grew to more than 10,000 books within a few years. Books were also brought from England in 1887,” he said.

The dilapidated condition of the library before the renovation. Photo: Collected

Prof Ahmad also said that on February 7, 1926, a certificate of honour welcoming poet Rabindranath Tagore was read at the venue on behalf of Dhaka Municipality and the People’s Association.

He added that the library declined during the Pakistan period and suffered heavy damage during the Liberation War.

The restoration work has already attracted many visitors.

Jannatul Adnin, who visited the site from Rampura, said she first learned about it through social media.

“The place is more beautiful in reality than in pictures, though traffic congestion is a problem,” she said.

Jagannath University student Hasan Sajib said the site is popular for photography and leisure.

“Each corner has a unique design. It would be even better if visitors could enter the building,” he said.