Lucknow: The historic Rifa-e-Aam Club will be restored and developed into a heritage conservation and research hub at an estimated cost of Rs 10 crore, jointly under an MoU by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and Lucknow Development Authority. Under the agreement, one hall in the restored building will be reserved for LDA and remaining space for conservation, research and training.Restoration work will follow the Butler Palace model, preserving the building’s original design while giving it a new use.The restored complex will have a modern archaeological conservation laboratory and a building materials testing lab. Experts will study lime mortar, surkhi and red lead, which were widely used in old buildings and use them to restore heritage structures in Lucknow and other parts of the state.The project will include a training centre for students of history and architecture and provide practical training in heritage conservation and restoration.LDA vice-chairperson Prathamesh Kumar said the project will give new purpose to one of Lucknow’s important heritage buildings while ensuring its long-term preservation.He said the laboratories and research facilities will also support restoration of other heritage structures by helping identify and recreate traditional building materials and construction techniques.Landmark in Lucknow’s HistoryBuilt in the 1830s by the Awadh nawabs, the Rifa-e-Aam Club was established as a venue for public gatherings and cultural events aimed at the welfare of the common people. It later came under the patronage of the Raja of Mahmudabad, who opened the club to the public at a time when many British-run clubs in Lucknow barred Indians from visiting.
