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A major restoration project is underway at the historic Old Fourah Bay College in Cline Town, including plans to transform the site as a performing arts hub in the capital, Freetown.
Freetown Mayor, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr recently visited the site to celebrate the ongoing efforts to transform the iconic structure into a modern performing arts centre.
The restoration, which is part of the broader Transform Freetown Agenda, aims to do more than stabilise a crumbling monument. Once completed, the centre is expected to offer free tuition to talented young people, providing a platform for the next generation of Sierra Leonean creatives to hone their craft.
Founded in 1827, Old Fourah Bay College was the first Western-style university in sub-Saharan Africa, earning Freetown the nickname “The Athens of West Africa.” The building has survived a century of use, a fire during the Sierra Leone Civil War in 1999, and decades of exposure to the elements.
“By safeguarding our heritage, we are investing in education, culture, and tourism. This project embodies the spirit of transformation; honoring our past as we build a resilient and inclusive future for Freetown.” Mayor Aki-Sawyerr stated.
The transformation of the Old Fourah Bay College is seen as a “living example” of urban renewal. By reimagining this historic site as a center for learning and creativity, Freetown is turning a “gutted ruin” back into a beacon of hope and opportunity.
