Cricket stadium plan to be changed to allow shops, sports academy

GHAZIABAD: The Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA) has proposed an alteration to the layout map of the international cricket stadium in the city to allow commercial areas, a sports academy and other facilities within the complex. The stadium will be constructed by UP Cricket Association (UPCA) in Morti area of Raj Nagar Extension.
The GDA has mooted the proposal for the UPCA after the latter sought a floor-area ratio (FAR) of 1.5 for the project to build commercial areas along with the stadium. However, according to GDA, there is no precedent in the country in which an FAR of 1.5 has been handed out for a project under community facility. Officials said the maximum FAR permissible within a single map for a community facility project is 0.4.

The land-use of the plot of land earmarked for the project is regional recreation at present. GDA vice-chairperson Kanchan Verma said a proposal has been mooted to present the map as two separate projects.

“A clearance by the state government will be required if we have to increase the FAR anywhere beyond 0.4. We have proposed for presenting the map as two separate projects in which the stadium and the sports academy will be in one part while commercial and other facilities will be in another part. The proposed seating capacity of the stadium is 50,000 at present. If the seating capacity is sought to be increased, underground parking will have to be developed or more land must be purchased,” said GDA vice-chairperson Kanchan Verma.

The stadium will be constructed over 35 acres of land at an initial estimated cost of Rs 400 crore. A panel appointed by the chief architect and town planner has recommended that an FAR of 2.5 be allowed under ‘mixed land use’ for 10 acres of the project area where commercial and other facilities can be developed. It has further recommended for allowing an FAR of 0.4 under the community facilities category where commercial and other facilities will be developed. A total average FAR of nearly 1.4 will thus be available for the project.

“We will be building community halls, clubs, swimming pools, residential accommodations for teams, office blocks and shopping complexes too. After the proposal by the GDA to earmark one portion of the land under mixed land use, we are having a final round of discussions with our architect. The final maps will be presented to the GDA for its approval in the next two to three days,” said Rakesh Mishra, UPCA convener of international stadium committee.