Corporation to begin Victoria Public Hall restoration

Sources said the civic body has floated the tender, and work would begin as soon as the Chennai Metro Rail finished its work near the structure. 

According to a Chennai Corporation official, the restoration work was stalled after the Chennai Metro Rail Ltd (CMRL) commenced tunnelling near the heritage structure. “Now, the Metro Rail has promised us of wrapping up the works before March. Once CMRL hands over land, we will start the work,” the official said.

The official said the Corporation has floated a Rs 1.56 crore tender for carrying out the restoration works so that a potential bidder could be selected before March.

The official added that the building, which was opened in 1887, had developed two new cracks due to the ongoing tunnelling works. 

“We had invited experts from IIT-Madras, Anna University and other institutions to assess the damages and suggest an action plan. Already planned works and fixing of cracks will commence after March,” the official added.

Meanwhile, the civic body has proposed to encase Ripon Buildings and Victoria Public Hall by demolishing the compound wall on the northern side of Ripon Buildings to construct new compound wall enclosing the hall.

“As the hall is being maintained by the Corporation, we will use the it to conduct internal meetings after restoration. Leaving the structure unused for a long time will only lead to deterioration,” the official said.

After the completion of restoration works, the two-storeyed hall, which once hosted many significant meetings before independence, would be able to accommodate nearly 750 people.

“Once the land is handed over, we will create lawn and other facilities. Statues of leaders will also be re-positioned at the earlier spots,” the official said.