The government of the Seychelles is planning a significant redevelopment of Mission Lodge – one of the archipelago’s most valuable heritage sites.

Laying out the plans for the visitor attraction on the island of Mahe, Seychelles minister for Tourism and Culture Alain St.Ange said the redevelopment will include the creation of a reception area and a visitors information centre complete with a gallery and café. The redevelopment is designed to make Mission Lodge more visitor friendly and appealing to international tourists. To preserve its history, certain parts of the site will be restored, cordoned off and rebuilt.

Four local construction firms have pledged their support to redevelop the site within the Morne Seychelles National Park, which has fallen into disrepair through neglect. The four firms have contributed SCR1m (US$78,000, €70,000, £50,000) each to start the renovation works on the heritage site, while the nearby Constance Ephelia Resort was also key in the plans being realised.

“It is a win-win situation for the country when we all work together,” said St.Ange. “The Ministry of Tourism and Culture is committed to keeping the doors open to the private sector, because we want you to keep on being not just the face of Seychelles but also the backbone that our country needs.”

St.Ange added that he was hopeful that the re-development project of Mission Lodge would bring added value to the site and attract more visitors, as well as boost the site’s application to become an UNESCO World Heritage site. The Mission Lodge, originally known as Venn’s Town, was set up in the late 19th century by a missionary society. The site was used in 1870 as a school for liberated African slave children. Today, the ruins of the former school are still clearly visible and are one of the most-visited tourist attractions in the Seychelles.