Restoration of colonial-era building in Poonamallee enters final phase

Another heritage building near Chennai is on the path of revival after many decades. The Public Works Department (PWD) has completed nearly 80% of the work to restore the 133-year-old building at the Victory Memorial Blind School.

Constructed in the colonial architectural style, the red-brick building is being restored by the PWD’s Building Centre and Conservation Division at a cost of ₹24.20 crore. Spread over 58,200 sq. ft., the structure, built between 1888 and 1893, has corridors running along four sides on both ground and first floors.

Officials noted that the building had suffered extensive damages to its Mangalore-tiled roof, Madras Terrace roof, and walls. The damaged portions have been restored, while the remaining sections of the roof on both floors have been strengthened to ensure durability for the coming decades. Cracks in the walls have also been stitched using lime plaster.

The heritage structure had housed a school for children with visual impairment, a vocational centre, and an Industrial Training Institute (ITI). Classes for about 120 school students and another 60 students from other centres were shifted to another building within the campus during the project, said sources in the school.

The structure was initially occupied by the British military and even housed a soldiers’ rehabilitation centre. A wooden rifle stands on the premises as a testament to its past. The building was handed over to the Madras Association of Handicapped in 1931, which started the school for students with visual impairment.

The school, which was upgraded as a high school by the Madras Province and then a higher secondary school in 1978, is now under the State Commissionerate for Welfare of the Differently Abled.

Officials of the PWD said the work involved challenges during execution as many structural defects were visible only after the old plastering was removed. “Sourcing thick wooden beams matching the original specifications was one of the challenges. With limited documentation, recreating the structure’s original features was difficult,” said an official.

Work is under way to renovate flooring and wooden joinery on the ground floor and painting works. The facade is also being enhanced while preserving the structure’s original appearance, officials said.

While the PWD aims to complete the project by year-end, sources said that the building must be put to active use to preserve heritage character. Regular occupancy and maintenance are essential for structural durability.