Reclaiming A Forgotten Space

Tucked inside an alley on Kamaraj Road is a 150-year-old school that, until recently, lay in complete ruin. Following an intensive restoration project, the space is now an arts venue

- MAHIMA NAGARAJU

If you've ever been to Commercial Street or the busy shopping areas surrounding it, you may have noticed an odd colonial building peeking out from behind a plastic hoarding, or caught a glimpse of an intricately carved wooden door painted in a fading green or blue, behind bustling shopkeepers and tourists. Originally developed in the 19th century as a shopping district mainly for British residents, it's no small wonder that these colonial buildings have remained around Commercial Street, waiting to be noticed.

The 150-year-old school on Kamaraj Road, founded and currently owned by RBANM's Educational Charities, was one such building, falling apart for over 15 years after the school stopped operations in the 2000s. Now, as it's back to its former glory after two years of restoration, walking into the space is like slipping through a crack in time.