Historical Background and Name Origin
Barkly Wharf is the main building of the Le Caudan Waterfront complex in Port Louis, Mauritius. The Caudan Waterfront opened in 1996 as the country’s first major waterfront shopping and leisure development. The name “Barkly Wharf” was chosen to honor Sir Henry Barkly, a British statesman and former Governor of Mauritius from 1863 to 1870. This reflects a practice within the Caudan complex of naming its sections after historical figures or heritage terms from Mauritius’ colonial past. The use of “Wharf” harks back to the site’s harbor history – the Caudan area was historically a port peninsula with quays and warehouses serving the island’s 18th- and 19th-century trade (especially the sugar industry). Today, Barkly Wharf stands as a modern structure built on this historic waterfront, symbolically bridging Mauritius’ colonial era and its contemporary urban development.
Architectural Design and Notable Elements
The architecture of Barkly Wharf and the Caudan Waterfront is characterized by a harmonious blend of historic and modern elements. The developers preserved or echoed certain colonial-era features to keep a heritage feel while introducing contemporary design for a shopping mall environment. For example, elsewhere in the complex old stone walls from a 19th-century dock office were conserved inside the Blue Penny Museum, highlighting the integration of historical structures with new architecture. In the case of Barkly Wharf, the building was constructed new in the mid-1990s but designed with neo-classical and colonial-inspired details – such as arched arcades, ornate balustrades, and tiered metal roofs in a warm terracotta hue – to evoke the atmosphere of a traditional port city market while being entirely modern in function. The exterior features multiple pavilion-like turrets and colonnaded facades, creating visual interest along the waterfront skyline. The color palette and thematic details were “judiciously chosen so as to maintain the spirit of Le Caudan”, making the complex “an exquisite shopping destination as well as a pleasant spot for strolls.” Inside, Barkly Wharf is organized around a multi-level central atrium that was part of the original design and has been further enhanced in recent renovations. The atrium features an imposing staircase and open balconies, allowing natural light and sightlines across several floors. Following a major refurbishment completed in 2022 (after a fire – see Notable Events below), the interior decor was updated with light wood finishes, geometric patterns, and carefully designed lighting, giving the space “a chic, soft and tropical allure worthy of a luxury hotel lobby.” This blend of tropical elegance and modern mall design is a notable architectural element of Barkly Wharf. Overall, the building’s style can be described as Mauritian colonial-revival meets contemporary commercial architecture, aligning with the Caudan Waterfront’s goal of offering a distinctive ambiance that celebrates local heritage within a modern infrastructure.
Current Uses and Functions
Barkly Wharf today serves as a multi-purpose commercial hub at Caudan, housing a wide range of activities across its levels:
- Retail Shops – The building hosts a large selection of retail outlets (combined with the adjacent Pavillon wing, about 62 shops) offering everything from international brand boutiques to local specialty stores. Visitors will find fashion and apparel stores, footwear, jewellery and watches, bookstores, duty-free goods, crafts and souvenir shops, among others, reflecting a mix of international brands and Mauritian products. The retail layout is akin to a shopping mall, with shops on the ground and first floors lining indoor corridors and open-air promenades.
- Craft Market – A highlight of Barkly Wharf is the Caudan Craft Market, a dedicated area showcasing local handicrafts and artistry. Located within the building (spanning multiple levels of one wing), this market is “the paradise of handmade products”. Dozens of stalls offer items like wood-carved sculptures, model ships, wood-burnt souvenirs, jewellery boxes, vibrant textiles, dodo bird figurines, essential oils, local paintings, and other artisanal goods. The Craft Market’s atmosphere is that of a traditional bazaar, and it has become a must-visit for tourists seeking authentic Mauritian souvenirs. (It is sometimes referred to as the “Craft Market of Port Louis”, occupying what used to be several floors of Barkly Wharf dedicated to artisans.)
- Commercial Offices – Above the shopping levels, Barkly Wharf contains several floors of office space used by businesses. Many companies, especially in finance, insurance, and commerce, have their headquarters or branch offices here due to the building’s prime downtown location. These offices make the building a daytime workplace for professionals, in addition to its tourist and retail functions. The integration of offices means Barkly Wharf doubles as a small business center, with amenities like elevators, secure access, and parking to serve office tenants alongside shoppers.
- Entertainment and Services – As part of the Caudan Waterfront complex, Barkly Wharf is connected to various entertainment venues and services. While the main food court and some restaurants are located in the adjacent Observatoire building, Barkly Wharf’s proximity means visitors can easily access dining options, cafes, and the Caudan Casino which is nearby (the casino is housed in its own section just next to Barkly Wharf). The complex also includes a multiplex cinema showing the latest films, and this cinema is accessible within the Caudan mall environment (providing movie entertainment to shoppers and city-goers). Additionally, practical services like banks, foreign exchange offices, and tour operators’ kiosks are available, making the Wharf a convenient one-stop location for both leisure and daily needs. A multi-level parking facility is integrated as well, labeled “Barkly Wharf Parking,” to accommodate visitors. Yacht owners can even moor at the Caudan marina adjacent to the Wharf, underlining its function as a full-fledged waterfront center.
In summary, Barkly Wharf functions as a mixed-use commercial building combining shopping mall, craft market, and office/business facilities under one roof. It is busy with retail activity by day and evening – hosting both luxury and casual shopping – and also serves the working community with its corporate offices. This mix contributes to the lively atmosphere of Caudan Waterfront, where one can shop, dine, work, and find entertainment all in the same vicinity.
