Fort: Tycoon widow fights Goa

Lady Hamlyn’s proposals suggested that the fort’s grounds could be used as an art centre and would be open to the public, a media report said today.

She submitted plans to take over the fort, which was built in 1551 by Portuguese conquerors, through the Helen Hamlyn Trust, a charitable foundation she has endowed in Goa. The renovation plans, however, stated that she and her family must be given access to an apartment being built in the fort for four months each year until 2015.

Mario Cabrale Sa, a Goan writer who objected to Lady Hamlyn’s renovation, accused her of attempting to construct a holiday home rather than restore a historic monument. ‘‘She should know that our history is not for sale,’’ he said.

‘‘It appears that Lady Hamlyn was not so interested in Goan heritage and there were some doubts about her experience of dealing with ancient sites. Her application to take over the fort has been rejected,’’ The Sunday Telegraph quoted a spokesman as saying.

However, Lady Hamlyn insisted that her intention had only been to contribute to the Goan culture and economy.

‘‘I have spent time and money trying to make this project work because I love India and its people and wanted to give something back,’’ she said.

‘‘Then earlier this year — after I had employed an architect, drawn up the plans and started to clear the site, it emerged that they had changed their minds. I am furious and baffled at what they have done,’’ she added.

Lady Hamlyn has asked her solicitors to contact the Goan government for an explanation but has not yet received a reply.