Plans to redevelop the Town Hall at Chandni Chowk into a cultural and a social heritage site, and a 40-room ‘boutique hotel’ was approved by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation on Wednesday.
The Town Hall was the seat of the undivided Municipal Corporation of Delhi until 2009, when the corporation offices started shifting to their present address at the Civic Centre on Minto Road.
The project proposal states, “The purpose is to develop it into a unique and complete family experience for visitors so that they can be familiarised with the history and culture of Delhi at one place.”
In line with this, various sections, such as a museum, library, adult and children activity rooms, light and sound programmes, an auditorium among others have been envisioned.
Tender to be floated
Initially, the Union Ministry of Tourism was said to be involved in the project and was meant to foot the bill for the project.
However, when funding from the Centre did not materialise, it was decided that the Public Private Partnership (PPP) route will be undertaken. Tender for the same will soon be floated.
Allotted for 33 years
Under the terms of the proposal, the property will be allotted for a period of 33 years on a monthly licence fee of ₹1.92 crore.
That is 8% of the estimated value of the land.
The Standing Committee of the corporation gave its approval on two conditions — no change to the original structure will be allowed and the contractor will have to get approval from the heritage committee for its work.