Another open air theatre is coming up in the core heritage zone near the iconic Mysuru Palace.
The new facility, which is expected to be ready soon, is being built atop the underground parking facility on the premises of the century-old Town Hall.
With a seating capacity of 1,000, the theatre is expected to give additional space for hosting cultural performances, theatre shows and other events.
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The first open air theatre is nestled in the green environs of Manasagangotri campus of University of Mysore, and it was recently renovated to host the centenary celebrations of the university.
The entry to the upcoming open air theatre is through the main entrance of Town Hall, which is also being restored to its original charm. However, the work had been delayed and the place is in a muddle with construction materials dumped around.
The MCC authorities have promised to clear the debris before Dasara and beautify the surrounding when the tourists start arriving to witness the festivities, which have been scaled down this year due to drought and farmers’ suicides.
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The open air theatre gains significance since it is located in the heart of the city in a tourist zone and gives convenient access to people coming to watch the events, including those organised during Dasara festivities.
The Town Hall had been hosting Dasara events for generations and the under-construction open air theatre is a new venue closer to the palace, which will be the cynosure of all eyes during the festivities, and hosts the main cultural events. The issue of parking is also being addressed, with the much-delayed underground multi-level parking facility (basement and another below the cellar) that can accommodate over 600 cars, (on which the theatre is being built) also nearing completion.
Nevertheless, both the parking facility and the open air theatre will not be ready before Dasara.
But the officials are hopeful of getting the facilities ready by the end of the year.
The 1,000-seater amphitheatre is coming up atop the underground multi-level parking facility near the palace