The Chennai Corporation plans to establish multi-storeyed commercial complexes as part of its proposal to modernise old markets in five locations.
This was one of the announcements in its budget for 2011-12, presented on Tuesday. The complexes would replace the old markets, where the structures are either in dilapidated condition or poorly maintained by the owners, who were allotted the buildings by the Corporation.
The civic body would take possession of such old buildings and construct modern complexes with many facilities, including provision for vehicle parking. The street vendors in the area would also be provided space in the proposed complexes.
Mayor M.Subramanian said that the Chintadripet market would be modernised. While feasibility of modernising the Saidapet market would be looked into, the other sites would be chosen according to the space available.
The project would be undertaken on public private partnership mode, as was done in the case of Perambur abattoir modernisation.
Many hawkers awaiting allotment of shops in the three complexes of Chennai Corporation, which were inaugurated a few months ago, said that the civic body must consult the vendors in the respective markets and sort out the issues before venturing into such projects.
Officials of the Corporation said that the allotment process for the shops in the complexes in Royapuram and Ayanavaram would begin in about a week. However, the allotment of shops in Pondy Bazaar complex would be delayed owing to a court case.
