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Sector-17 revamp: Chandigarh DC office to be converted into National Gallery of Modern Art
A convention centre has also been planned opposite the old district courts area, which is presently used as part of the interstate bus terminus.
If all goes according to the Smart City plan, the Chandigarh deputy commissioner’s office will be shifted adjoining Hotel Shivalikview and a vacant plot opposite the multilevel parking lot will be utilised for an institutional building.
The existing DC office building, designed by Swiss architect Pierre Jeanneret, will be converted into a National Gallery of Modern Art with an amphitheatre in front of it. The consultant, Architectural Studio, Delhi, engaged to rejuvenate Sector 17, has prepared a detailed plan for city centre’s revival in the next five years under Smart City project. The consultant will give its presentation on July 14 to the UT Administrator’s Advisory Council.
There is also a plan to revamp 17 bay and 30 bay buildings under the UT administration currently on rent to Punjab and Haryana. The buildings will be transformed as retail and cultural hubs.
Speaking to HT, a senior officer of the UT administration said: “The city centre has survived on retail and offices, both private and government, since its inception. But its rejuvenation will create thoughtful public engagement.”
Other premier projects on anvil
The plan envisages building an urban park behind Neelam Theatre. It will have pro-biking and skateboarding events, besides food courts, seating arrangements within the plaza and public screening of sport events on large screens, besides concerts. As of now, the football stadium and the area around it cover nine acres, but for this project, it will be increased to 12 acres.
A convention centre has also been planned opposite the old district courts area, which is presently used as part of the interstate bus terminus.
The plan also proposes to build a convention centre and a luxury hotel on seven acres to the south of Neelam Theatre. Planners say this will help in promoting Chandigarh as an international business and cultural centre. A habitat centre is also proposed on eight acres in front of Taj Hotel.
According to the smart city proposal, Sector 17 will be developed as an art and innovation centre. The area around the plaza will be declared a no-vehicle zone and only battery operated carts will be allowed.
Consultant charged Rs 1.7 crore
The UT administration paid ₹1.7 crore to the consultant, Architectural Studio, Delhi, which has drawn a detailed plan for the City Centre’s revival. The administration has largely approved redesign suggested by the consultant.
