Restoration of Heritage Buildings at Chepauk Palace Commences

Two heritage buildings at Chepauk Palace, which had been abandoned for over 17 years, are now undergoing extensive restoration work by the Public Works Department’s Building Centre and Conservation Division. The buildings, which are part of the palace’s annex, have a history dating back 173 years and were previously occupied by the Pay and Account Office (PAO) and Agriculture Records Office.

Due to severe damage over time, the structures had remained unoccupied since 2005. The restoration project, costing ₹23.07 crore, aims to bring back the original charm of these buildings, which are built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture and were additions made by British architect Robert F. Chisolm after the British government acquired Chepauk Palace. Spanning 15,468 sq. ft., the single-story structure facing the Marina will regain its historic significance once the renovation is completed.