Town hall gets a Rs. 2.7-crore refurbishment

First project to be completed under Mission Kochi 15-8-15 programme

The renovated Kochi Municipal Town Hall has been equipped with better acoustics and the structure has been strengthened while maintaining its hertage look. Photo: Thulasi Kakkat

After carrying out renovation works for about six months, the all new Ernakulam Town hall with modern acoustics will be formally opened to the public on Saturday.

Officials of the city corporation said Chief Minister Oommen Chandy would inaugurate the renovated building at a function to be held here at 1.30 p.m. The renovation works, taken up at a cost of Rs. 2.70 crore, are being carried out by preserving its heritage look.

“The first programme to be held at this refurbished venue will be a remote video session on the commencement of the manufacturing of rolling stocks for Kochi Metro rail. The hall, with a capacity of 750 seats, including a balcony, can serve as the venue for cultural events including film festivals,” said Tony Chammany, Mayor, Kochi Corporation.

Though initiated in 2013, the proposal to revamp the structure was shelved subsequently on finding that the building needed elaborate repair as it had been built in the old style. The repair works, resumed in September last year and initiated on a fast-track basis, also becomes the first of the 33 projects to be completed under the Mission Kochi 15-8-15 programme.

“The entire structure has been strengthened by spending Rs. 20 lakh while another Rs 1.30 crore was expended on wall panelling, designing and similar works. Taking a cue from the Patiala Town hall in Punjab, a sophisticated acoustic sound system has been established inside the hall,” said A.A. Baiju, contractor of the work.

Further, asbestos sheets on the roof have been replaced by GI sheets and the ceiling with gypsum panels. The floor, beautified using kota stone, has been raised by one feet.

As part of its heritage makeover, the pillars have been given artistic grooves and designs and a two-foot compound wall with cast iron grills on top, has been constructed. To avoid water-logging during monsoon seasons, the building’s compound has been raised by a few centimetres and a mini-park for children has been also set up. Given the lack of parking space on the town hall premises, the authorities are also contemplating a multi-level parking facility inside the building’s compound.

The building, which hosted several historical events, was opened in 1960 and the new EMS Memorial Hall, attached to it was opened in 2001.