Himachal Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Tuesday laid foundation stone to begin the restoration work of the British-era Bantony Estate, a grand private castle decaying for many decades here.
The Bantony Castle will be renovated at a cost Rs 35 crore, said an official spokesman.
Once the building comes up, the proposed museum, restaurant and recreational park would be a great attraction for both tourists and locals. Bantony Estate is spread over around 20,000 square metre area between circular and mall road of the state capital, he said.
At present, the double-storey building constructed in mock-Tudor style, part chalet and crowned with sloping roofs with mini-towers is in dilapidated condition.
The castle is located near Scandal Point on Shimla’s famous Ridge.
The decision to acquire the castle from its owners was approved by the state cabinet in January. Earlier, Bantony Estate was purchased by a london-based Indian businessman in 2011 to give way to an ultra-luxurious spa.
Before its construction in 1880, the place had a rickety cottage belonging to Captain A. Gordon and housing some army officers. Since 1957, the building, now in an advanced state of decay, had been the headquarters of the state police. It was formally vacated this year after a court case.