The design for the Palayam market modernisation project which emerged winner in a public opinion poll conducted by the City Corporation tries to recreate the colonial style of architecture featured in many heritage buildings dotting the State capital.
Prepared by N.M. Salim and Associates, Kozhikode, the design features a shopping mall, hypermarket, business hotel and a rehabilitation block for the fish, meat, vegetable and other shops in the existing market. The proposed market complex would be an antique jewel for Thiruvananthapuram, says Mr. Salim.
The main Connemara mall, business hotel, and rehabilitation market are designed on the lines of landmark buildings like the V.J.T. Hall, University College, State Central Library, Fine Arts College, Museum and Kanakakkunnu Palace.
The main mall complex covering approximately 4,00,000 sq.ft. is spread over two basements and four floors. It sports modern facilities like escalators, travelators, ice skating rink, multiplexes, food court and all top brands of outlets. The hypermarket is to be managed by an international chain. The business hotel complex with separate entrance from the main road will be a four-star facility with 78 rooms. The building will have a basement parking area for 100 cars. Apart from guest rooms there are conference facilities and two restaurants. Covering 60,000 sq.ft., the rehabilitation block will accommodate 400 shops and a basement car park.
The project is estimated at Rs.200 crore. The parking space for the mall and market will accommodate 500 cars.
Mayor K. Chandrika said that the winning design would be evaluated by experts to prepare an estimate. The project would be tendered after securing government approval. The Mayor said the project was expected to be completed in 42 months.
The poll for the best design was held to garner public opinion for the infrastructure development project being implemented by the city Corporation, Thiruvananthapuram Development Authority, and Infrastructure Kerala Limited (INKEL).
The poll was conducted by placing ballot boxes in front of the Palayam market in a specially constructed pavilion where four competing designs were displayed for over a week. Online voting was also held through the INKEL website. The ballot boxes were opened in the presence of the Mayor at a function held at the Corporation here on Thursday. The design prepared by N.M. Salim and Associates bagged 2,087 votes, including 216 online votes.
