CHENNAI: Finally, the historical Victoria Public Hall that is in a dilapidated state is set to be renovated as the Greater Chennai Corporation has decided to carry out the works under Singara Chennai 2.0 rather than waiting for other funding sources.

According to a Chennai Corporation source, a national level bid have been floated to conserve and seismic retrofit the structure at a cost of Rs 28.30 Crore. "The funds have been allocated under Singara Chennai 2.0. Bid will be finalized before the end of this year," he said.

A detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared by architects and consultants to restore the building. As per the plan, food courts will be allowed around the structure where families can hang out. Also, the plan is to set up a museum and the concept of the museum is based on the city's history and culture. While the Chennai museum will be permanent on the ground floor, themes will be dynamically changed so that residents would visit the structure more often.

The civic body will also allow artists and exhibitors to conduct exhibition on rental basis and will talk with foreign embassies to exhibit their history and culture in the Chennai museum.

The second floor will be converted into mini hall in which meetings will be allowed. The civic body was expecting funds from the Tourism department but that did not materialise.

The civic body had earlier planned to renovate the Victoria Hall and floated tenders. But the renovation project hit a roadblock owing to non-availability of skilled labourers who are trained in renovating heritage structures.

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