The building itself was erected in 1861 and housed a sugarfactory, which was closed in 1998 and has been disused since then. The centreoccupying 21ha will be opening in turns during the coming 10 years. The cost ofthe project is $15.4mln.The construction of a convention and exhibition centre,a shopping mall and a hotel are on the way.
There will be a concert hall, cultural centre and commercialarea in the main building. A large area in the open will welcome carnivals andvarious performances. The authorities hope that, though Solo is known for itscultural traditions, the new centre will attract more visitors and performersboth from neighbouring countries and overseas. Some artifacts from the oldfactory are now exhibited and seem to be a link with the past for the visitors.Old machines, a chimney tower and part of a banyan tree give a Sugar FactoryMuseum an authentic look.
Industrial Enterprise Converted into Heritage Centre in Solo
News in Asia
Solo, the city in Central Java Province of Indonesia, will soon have a new heritage centre, De Tjolomadoe, which will be launched on March 24. David Foster, a Canadian musician performed in its concert hall at the end of February.