MVP Colony, a posh residential area in the city, will play host to several cultural activities with Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority launching work on Saturday for construction of a modern auditorium, three convention halls and an amphi theatre at an estimated cost of Rs.20 crore.
The facilities will come up in at New Rythu Bazaar in an area of 1.49 acres. The auditorium has been designed with a seating capacity of 1100 and adequate space for parking.
“Once completed it will be a dream come true for the art lovers of the city,” said Minister for Infrastructure and Investment Ganta Srinivasa Rao and Rajya Sabha member T. Subbarami Reddy, after laying the foundation stone for the auditorium.
The Minister said the auditorium would provide a wonderful platform to the cultural troupes and performing artistes to showcase their talent. He said it would fulfil the demand for a bigger facility like Ravindra Bharathi of Hyderabad.
Mr. Rao said a stage would also be developed at RK Beach to conduct regular cultural events and soon an action plan would be announced with regard to holding cultural events at regular intervals.
Answering a query on World Telugu Cultural and Heritage Centre atop Kailasagiri taken up VUDA and World Telugu Federation, the Minister said the issue of funds would be finalised soon.
Mr. Subbarami Reddy said Vizag was known for talented artistes and the VUDA auditorium would become a major hub for their performances. He assured all-time support to the artistes and cultural groups.
Bheemili MLA Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao, Gajuwaka MLA Chintalapudi Venktramaiah, GVMC Commissioner M.V. Satyanarayana, VUDA Chief Engineer I. Viswanatha Rao, Executive Engineers M. Balarama Raju, D.V. Verma and others participated.