A Study of the issues in adaptive reuse in heritage buildings of street facades : a case study of the main street of Ambalangoda

Abstract

Heritage street facades form an essential component of the historic urban character of Sri Lankan towns. However, many of these buildings are increasingly threatened by rapid urban transformation, changing commercial demands, and weak conservation controls. Adaptive reuse is widely recognized as a practical strategy that allows heritage buildings to remain functional while preserving their architectural and cultural value. Despite its potential, the implementation of adaptive reuse in many historic streets remains limited due to various regulatory, physical, and socio-economic constraints. This research investigates ‘A study of the issues in adaptive reuse in heritage buildings of street facades: a case study of the Main Street of Ambalangoda’, a historically significant commercial street in a southern coastal town in Sri Lanka. The research adopts a mixed-method approach combining qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. Field surveys, façade documentation, photographic studies, and building analysis were conducted to identify the architectural character and physical condition of selected buildings. Questionnaires and interviews with building owners, visitors, and experts were used to understand stakeholder perspectives on heritage value and building reuse. In addition, a comparative review of conservation controls in selected Sri Lankan heritage towns, including Galle, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, was undertaken to evaluate existing regulatory approaches. The findings reveal that the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings in Ambalangoda is constrained by weak heritage regulations, limited awareness among stakeholders, economic challenges faced by property owners, and unsympathetic façade alterations. The absence of a coherent urban conservation framework further accelerates the gradual loss of the street’s historic character. The study proposes adaptive reuse strategies and heritage-sensitive urban control guidelines aimed at strengthening conservation practices while supporting sustainable development within historic urban streets.