shimla plans by a private entrepreneur to convert the bantony castle building in the heart of the city into a luxury hotel has hit a block with the government moving in to acquire the heritage property according to sources chief minister prem kumar dhumal has asked principal secretary urban development to initiate steps for expeditious acquisition of the renowned bantony castle building and land in the heritage zone of shimla town dhumal has reportedly asked concerned official to ensure timely action and move the finance department for necessary funds a londonbased businessman ranjay trehan along with a local partner arun kumar sood had moved an application before the tourism department for converting the 138yearold heritage structure into a spa they have sought a noobjection certificate under section 118 of hp land tenancy and reforms act 1972 for undertaking the venturethe proposed investment was rs 150 crore on the about2000 sq meter property that is in the city business centre on the mall road before it was bought by a local businessman the property was the summer palace of maharaja of sirmaur prior to the palace coming up in 1880 the property belonged to one captain gorden the building was in government possession and used to house the office of director general police it had to be vacated on court orders