5 August

The Rosewood Yangon Hotel in Kyauktada Township, formerly the New Law Courts, became the 31st site to receive a Blue Plaque from the Yangon Heritage Trust on 4 August, as a mark of the structure’s deep historic and cultural significance and enduring legacy.

Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein, Yangon Region Hluttaw Speaker U Tin Maung Tun, Yangon City Development Committee Deputy Mayor U Soe Lwin, Dr Thant Myint U, the founder and chairman of the YHT, and officials concerned were present at the event.

“The city’s landmark heritage buildings are marked with blue plaques which serve as historical markers. Those heritages will pass on to future generations. Yangon Region is aimed to be shaped as a livable economic capital through sustainable development and heritage conservation,” said the Yangon Region Chief Minister.

It was built between 1927 and 1931 as the New Law Courts, replacing the older District Courts and Public Offices constructed in 1868. The Burmese Socialist Programme Party used the building as its headquarters from 1965 until 1988. The building was once again used as a Yangon Region office complex, including the Yangon Region Court and public offices.

In 2012, tenders were invited from private developers. In 2014, Prime Residence and the Yangon Region government signed the lease agreement, and the building has since been renovated to become the Rosewood Yangon hotel.

The Yangon Heritage Trust’s Founder and Chairman, Dr. Thant Myint U, said: “The YHT has asked that the entire area around Strand Road and Lower Pansodan be redeveloped in a way that will protect our unparalleled heritage. That is good for local residents, it creates jobs. I really hope the completion of this impressive project will lead quickly towards the implementation of the plans YHT has been working on now for years.”

“We are deeply honored to receive the 31st Blue Plaque from the Yangon Heritage Trust in recognition of our efforts to preserve the heritage, the former New Law Courts. We thank the master craftsmen, artisans, and designers who worked tirelessly to strike a delicate balance between conservation and modernization. We hope our community agrees that the hotel not only pays a respectful tribute to Yangon’s rich cultural legacy, but also creates an exciting new landmark for this unique and vibrant city.

The hotel’s soft opening has been done. The European Restaurants and café have been opened. The Grand Bloom is also available for rent. The grand opening is in October,” said Mr. Ed Brea, the managing director of Rosewood Yangon. The new hotel is a restored heritage building, featuring 205 guestrooms and suites. The renovation work cost about US$100 million.—Myint Maung (Translated by Ei Myat Mon)