The city’s iconic landmark – Sir Puttanna Chetty Town Hall – was reopened on Wednesday after being shut for repairs and renovations for more than six months.
The building with a capacity to seat 750 was built by philanthropist Puttanna Chetty. The erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar also chipped in with funds for its construction, it is said. The building was inaugurated on September 11, 1935.
Following the first phase of renovation, which cost around Rs. 7 crore, the Town Hall now has an improved sound and light system, better seating facilities, a revamped stage, green rooms and toilets. Under the second phase that is proposed to be taken up at a cost of Rs. 4.4 crore, the landmark will have a pro-sound system, robotic video camera system, CCTVs, additional toilet facilities on the first floor, landscaping and a bust of Sir Puttanna Chetty in the lobby.
Puttanna Chetty’s grandson Vishwanath recalled the efforts undertaken by his grandfather to build the Town Hall.