Carved into the early 20th-century stonework of an imposing building in Pembroke is ‘ERI’ – Edwardus Rex Imperator – Latin for King Edward Emperor, the Royal Cypher of the former British Empire’s King Edward VII.
Equally prominent is the date 1902 etched into its grand facade; a reminder of the history and origins of this building that guided its restoration into the newly inaugurated Pjazza1902.
The building, which served as a recreational centre for soldiers wounded in battle during World War I, has a checkered history. It went on to become a popular disco in the 1980s, called Raffles, but suffered extensive damage when a fire broke out in 1989, followed by years of abandonment.
Fast forward a few decades, the St Andrew’s Barracks building has been ushered into the modern age with its characteristic historical charm intact, presenting the public with a space that in its words “blends the classical charm of bygone eras with contemporary design elements.”
The multi-use space is home to myriad amenities, including three food establishments, a gym, an events space suitable for conferences and weddings, a childcare centre and family-friendly spaces on its sprawling grounds, and is slated to becoming a hotspot for visitors of all ages.
Photography: Pjazza1902
