A consultant to prepare a project report on the proposed sound and light show at the Victoria Public Hall, which is under restoration, will be finalised by this month-end by the Chennai Corporation.
The civic body plans to conduct the show to attract tourists to the heritage structure. The hall, an example of Indo Saracenic architecture, was designed by Robert Chisholm and built by Namperumal Chetty during the 1880s.
The hall is being renovated by the Corporation at a cost of Rs.3.06 crore. The civic body had taken possession of the hall and other related properties, some of which were encroached, in April 2009.
The consultant for the light and sound show would have to develop content for the show based on the theme, ‘Evolution of Chennai.' The show would be conducted in the ground floor of the hall.
Officials of the Corporation said it was for the third time that the civic body was floating tender for appointing a consultant. While the two bidders who responded to the first tender did not qualify, only one bid was received when the tender was floated again.
The same firm has responded to our tender this time too as there are only a few such experts in the country. Evaluation of the technical bid is under progress. Once the contract is awarded, the consultant would have to prepare the report in two or three months.
Earlier, the Corporation had planned to go for a sound and laser light show. However, the proposal had to be dropped as laser light show was not viable.
Officials said the first floor of Victoria Public hall would be let out for functions and meetings that promote arts and culture. However, the rent to be levied is yet to be finalised.
On the restoration of the structure being carried out with funds under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, the officials said the repairs works, including laying of roof tiles, wooden rafters and interior decoration, are in progress. The restoration project is expected to be completed in March next year.
