The Kollam Corporation on Tuesday presented before the public four ambitious projects targeting the comprehensive development of the district followed by an open forum.
The multiple projects, conceived as part of Mission Kollam 2018, include an international convention centre, restoration of the Kottarakkulam area, Chinnakkada skywalk and a biogas plant for waste treatment. “The Corporation will move forward with the projects incorporating the changes suggested by the public,” said Mayor V. Rajendrababu.
The proposed international convention centre, spread across 4.5 acres in the heart of the city, will be completed in three phases.
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In the first phase, an auditorium that can accommodate 2,000 persons with all premium facilities will be built along with a dining hall for 750.
The second phase will have multiple board rooms and a gallery showcasing the district’s heritage.
A standalone hotel complex with ample parking will be completed in the final stage. A multiplex with three screens, health club, play area, food court and an amphitheatre will also the part of the project. The budget is around ₹304 crore.
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Restoration of the Kottarakkulam area is conceived as an initial project for giving the district global visibility as a heritage tourism centre.
The project, which aims to reinvent the historic capital of Venad, will maintain all heritage structures and develop the nearby Manaveeyam Road as a socio-cultural hub.
The entire area will be beautified while keeping its heritage value intact and a traditional madapam will be built in the pond along with seating arrangements. T.M. Varghese Hall and a library will give a facelift as part of the project. “It’s a ₹6 crore-project and we will be starting the first phase shortly,” the Mayor said.
Skywalk
The skywalk to be built in Chinnakkada is expected to end pedestrian woes along with easing the traffic flow below. Coming at the traffic point where five main roads meet, the proposed design has two elevators and three escalators along with stairs to access it from different footpaths.
As per the design, the circular skywalk will have a walkway and room for a string of small shops. It will have heat-resistant tensile roofing and solar panels will be installed for powering lifts and escalators.
Designed under the guidance of Josna Raphael, who heads the Department of Architecture at Government Engineering College, Thrissur, the estimated cost of the project is ₹25 to 30 crore.
The Corporation is also considering the proposal of a Bengaluru-based company to find a permanent solution for waste disposal.