The Hindu : New Delhi News : Chanakya’s replacement awaits consensus

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Tuesday, Mar 10, 2009
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New Delhi

Chanakya’s replacement awaits consensus

Manisha Jha

NEW DELHI: The multiplex-cum-mall that will replace the Chanakya cinema in Chanakyapuri here will have to wait as the design lay-out of the new building is awaiting finalisation because of lack of consensus between the NDMC and the concessionaire, DLF Commercial Developers.

While the NDMC is looking for a design that takes into account overall development of the Yashwant Place complex which houses Chanakya cinema, DLF is keen on Chanakya. Though DLF had organised a contest to select the best design for the multiplex last year and submitted the three short-listed layouts, the civic body suggested modifications and is awaiting a fresh design for evaluation by their expert panel and consultant.

As per the contract bagged by DLF in May 2008 under the build-operate-transfer model for a concession period of 30 years, construction was slated to begin by August 2008 and the deadline for completion was two years. The NDMC had also received Rs.85.32 crore upfront from DLF for awarding the contract to them.

DLF spokesperson Rajiv Talwar said on Monday: “We are awaiting the guidelines from the civic body on the basis of which we are going to design the layout and submit to them. A regular dialogue is still on and we are in no hurry as this is a big project.”

NDMC officials maintain that all necessary communications regarding the guidelines have been already shared by them with DLF.

“Since the aim of the project is to build a landmark for the Capital, a lot of deliberation has to be undertaken before finalising the design and that is delaying the project,” said an NDMC official.

“Moreover, we have not been able to hand over the site possession to DLF as we had to get the site free first by shifting several underground cables and pipelines for water and sewage. ” Once the design is submitted, it will be sent to the Delhi Urban Arts Commission for approval.

The idea of converting Chanakya into a multiplex took shape in October 2000 when the time for renewal of the 10-year licence agreement came. NDMC informed the theatre proprietors of the multiplex plan citing non-profitability as the reason for not extending the agreement. However, a legal dispute followed which was settled in the NDMC’s favour in 2007.

With an eye on the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the NDMC’s main idea behind the redevelopment proposal was to attract tourists and to cater to diplomats and officials of the participating countries.

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