KL High Court building to become gallery

Company research and development director R. Subramaniam (left) showing Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib the new turf of Dataran Merdeka at the site.

THE former Kuala Lumpur High Court building will be renovated into a gallery to become the newest attraction in the city centre, said Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib.

“The Tourism and Culture Ministry has given approval to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to take over the building for renovation.

“Currently we have 11 art galleries and museums and the new gallery will be a stone’s throw from Dataran Merdeka,” he said.

The gallery, situated beside DBKL’s city theatre in Jalan Tun Perak, will be used to showcase tourism and events related to Kuala Lumpur.

Workers operating the seed drill to plant the grass at Dataran Merdeka.

Ahmad Phesal said DBKL would also light up the 2km-stretch from the National Mosque to KL Sogo as well as Jalan Sultan Ismail.

“We are in the midst of discussing the installation of new lighting on the Sultan Abdul Samad building to highlight the beauty of this heritage building.

“Now, only spotlights are used and they are not able to showcase its arches and other architectural features.

“We hope the new lights will be up before the Citrawarna festival in June,” he said during a press conference after a seed-planting ceremony at Dataran Merdeka in line with its RM3.9mil facelift.

The facelift is expected to be completed in June and the tender was awarded to RS Greenmaster (M) Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of The RS Group.

The company’s research and development director R. Subramaniam said a fast-growing grass species, Princess 77 Bermuda grass, would be used for the turf.

“The grass can last for up to 20 years with scheduled maintenance as well as monthly fertilisation.

“We have also prepared 600,000 pieces of Turf Protection Mats covering 15,000sqm to protect the grass,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Phesal said tour buses were not allowed to stop in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad building, to protect it.

“DBKL has prepared parking lots for the buses in Jalan Gereja.

“The notice barring buses from parking in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad building was issued three months ago and I urge bus drivers to cooperate and utilise the space provided,” he said.