Arcade Independence Square

The Arcade Independence Square is an iconic landmark in the city, housed in a gloriously renovated old colonial building which has been converted into a trendy shopping complex, which contains a state of the art movie theatre and 40 shops.  It was opened in 2014.  It was originally built in 1889 as the Jawatta Lunatic Asylum, which could contain 400 patients.  They were moved to Angoda in 1926.  Later University College was here.  Arcade was part of the Independence Square Redevelopment programme initiated by the national government, the external structure being preserved, while the interior was modernized with every possible technological feature and amenity. This site is a popular spot to hang out in the evenings.