This building with a hint of Moorish architecture, used to be the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station. It was opened in 1911 but in 2001, its major roles were taken over by KL Sentral. Kuala Lumpur is rich in history and many old buildings reflect her rich past, this being one of them.
Below is a good write-up from The Star on the history of this part of Kuala Lumpur. I am copying it verbatim to archive it here.
A former train hub called Victory Avenue
LARGELY forgotten by the locals, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin is now famed only for being a must-see tourist spot.
While it was once a busy transportation hub when trains were still the main carriers, it has now become a quaint road that is used by motorists only to get to other busier areas.
Only a handful of people know the personality behind the name. Sultan Hishamuddin Alam Shah was a ruler of Selangor state and was elected the second Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 1960. Born on May 13, 1898, Sultan Hishamuddin was one of the privileged few of his day who attended the prestigious Kuala Kangsar Malay College.
He ascended the throne in 1939 and became a prisoner of war during the Japanese occupation in Malaya. After his return from his pilgrimage to Mecca in 1952, he gave up his private residence of Istana Jamaiah in Klang to be used as the first Islamic College in the Federation of Malaya.
The sultan passed away on Sept 1, 1960 after his short reign as King for six months.
The road was previously known as Victory Avenue and was developed by the British government as the train hub for the Federated Malay States.
But perhaps the highlight of the road is the magnificent structures along it.
The beautiful colossal building known as the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station opened in 1911 and was home to Keretapi Tanah Melayu, which connected major states in the country.
The design of the station was incepted by architect A.B. Hubback who incorporated Moorish influences.
One of the steadfast companions of the railway station is Station Hotel, which has been around since the launch of the station. It is now known as Heritage Station Hotel and caters for budget travellers.
The railway station currently serves only commuter trains following the launch of KL Sentral in 2001.
Right opposite the station is the former Majestic Hotel, which has housed the National Art Gallery for the past 23 years. The gallery is well known for avant-garde pieces by both local and foreign artistes.
“There were rumours that during the heyday of the hotel, a guest committed suicide in one of the rooms and that the spirit is now watching over the road,” said Mohd Bakri Ishak who works at the railway station.
Further down the road is the National Mosque that took three years to complete and was opened in 1965. It is one of the most popular venues for prayers and is usually packed on Friday afternoons and special religious occasions. The mosque features contemporary Islamic art and calligraphy.
“The roof of the mosque has 18 points, representing the 13 states of the country as well as the five tenets of Islam,” said Bakri.
Work in progress: The National Mosque under construction in 1964. It took three years to complete and was officially opened in 1965.
Another interesting building along the road is Menara Dayabumi, which was built with aesthetic values in mind.
The building is built according to an eight-point star pattern that gives it a rather unique look.
Other notable landmarks on the road include the Syariah Court which is also housed in an historical building as well as the Malayan Railway Administration Building.
By DEBBIE CHAN
Photos by SAM THAM
Source: The Star
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