Freedom park is the new name that is given to Bangalore’s Central Jail with its recent makeover. It has been transformed into a cultural hub and is now open to the public.It was opened to the public in November 2008. A part of it has been allotted for protests, LK Advani was the chief at the opening. Apart from being a historical moment, the inauguration led the political leader to think of his stay in the jail during the Emergency
period between 1977 and 1979.
For Bangalore it is another heritage site. The Jail was 22 acres originally, now a 16 acre recreational center and a cultural hot spot with 3 acres being redeveloped by BBMP after wall collapse. MathewGosh were the architects behind the transformation.
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Despite being stood as symbol of colonial rule, the change is really great with a amphitheater with capacity to house 300 people. Many components of the Central Jail has been kept intact, the high walls have been painted in a way so as to integrate with the ewer changes brought in. The new additions, apart from the amphitheater, are a smaller heater created to give vent to artistic energy and a book museum with a cafe on top of it.
The place is transformed in a recreatonal centre where people can take walks.This place was famous for housing the prisoners, who were conspiring against the British rulers beginning from the first war of Indian Independence in 1857. A total of three huge barracks were constructed for housing prisoners. A VIP enclosure was there to house high profile prisoners. The jail was constructed during 1863, after completion in 1866 it could house 300 prisoners, after expansion it was accommodating 800 prisoners. But when the head count exceeded 2000 nos, the Govt decided to move the prison to a new location.
The 360 degree watch tower was used to keep an eye on prisoners. The prison was fortified with a 16 feet boundary wall. One of the famous prisoners housed here was L.K Advani during the emergency period. The Freedom park was inaugurated by L.K Advani as a symbol of freedom with Chief minster and Home minister of Karnataka..
While a lot has already been achieved, a lot are still in the pipeline. While the fountain surrounding the watch tower will be turned into a musical one, art works are still in the process of being installed on the main jail wall (now being called the Freedom Wall). The Information Corridor on Barrack C will eventually have a multimedia gallery capacitated with LED screens.
period between 1977 and 1979.
For Bangalore it is another heritage site. The Jail was 22 acres originally, now a 16 acre recreational center and a cultural hot spot with 3 acres being redeveloped by BBMP after wall collapse. MathewGosh were the architects behind the transformation.
.
Despite being stood as symbol of colonial rule, the change is really great with a amphitheater with capacity to house 300 people. Many components of the Central Jail has been kept intact, the high walls have been painted in a way so as to integrate with the ewer changes brought in. The new additions, apart from the amphitheater, are a smaller heater created to give vent to artistic energy and a book museum with a cafe on top of it.
The place is transformed in a recreatonal centre where people can take walks.This place was famous for housing the prisoners, who were conspiring against the British rulers beginning from the first war of Indian Independence in 1857. A total of three huge barracks were constructed for housing prisoners. A VIP enclosure was there to house high profile prisoners. The jail was constructed during 1863, after completion in 1866 it could house 300 prisoners, after expansion it was accommodating 800 prisoners. But when the head count exceeded 2000 nos, the Govt decided to move the prison to a new location.
The 360 degree watch tower was used to keep an eye on prisoners. The prison was fortified with a 16 feet boundary wall. One of the famous prisoners housed here was L.K Advani during the emergency period. The Freedom park was inaugurated by L.K Advani as a symbol of freedom with Chief minster and Home minister of Karnataka..
While a lot has already been achieved, a lot are still in the pipeline. While the fountain surrounding the watch tower will be turned into a musical one, art works are still in the process of being installed on the main jail wall (now being called the Freedom Wall). The Information Corridor on Barrack C will eventually have a multimedia gallery capacitated with LED screens.
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