The Aspinwall Building in Fort Kochi is a heritage site of Kochi that has become world famous through the Biennale. The move to hand over the land, which includes this historically important building, to the Coast Guard has created controversy. No one disagrees that the Coast Guard should get enough land. However, since heritage buildings like Aspinwall are part of Kochi's social life, there is a need to preserve it as public space. 

Historically significant Aspinwall

The Aspinwall Building, standing tall along the backwaters from the Kochi estuary, is one of the most beautiful sights in the historic city. It was built in the 19th century. The building is named after the visionary British merchant John Aspinwall who requested the British authorities to have a modern port and railway in Kochi. The building was built in the western style and was used as a coir company. After independence, the company was bought by the Travancore royal family. It was then later handed over to DLF Company. DLF bought it to set up a big heritage hotel. However, they backed out when the demand to preserve the building with heritage value rose.

Failed move from the government

At one stage the Chief Minister himself announced that the Aspinwall building would be taken over as the venue for the Biennale. Discussions were also held regarding this. But later things changed. Last time the Biennale organizers had to pay a huge amount as rent. The 2.44 acre land on which the Aspinwall building stands and the adjoining 1.26 acre land of Cabral Yard belong to DLF Company. Along with this, the government has 1.26 acres of land. The government decided to acquire the land from DLF and keep all this land as public property. The venue was also planned to permanently hold the Biennale. But later things went wrong.

Biennale will not be affected

It is reported that an agreement has been reached between the company and the Coast Guard regarding the handover of the Aspinwall building. The Aspinwall building was the main venue for the Biennale. The building has played a major role in the success of the Biennale. However, the organizers say that handing over the building will not affect the running of the biennale. As the rest of the land belongs to the government, the biennale can be held on the land. But the biennale is not the only problem. Kochi's tourism is based on its heritage. When such an important building is handed over to the army, it is estimated that the heritage value will decrease.