New Delhi

World-class multiplex to replace Chanakya Cinema

NEW DELHI: The New Delhi Municipal Council will redevelop the sprawling Yashwant Place Complex in Chanakyapuri housing Chanakya Cinema into a world class mall-cum-multiplex with high-end retail.

Proposed as a retail-cum-leisure destination, the NDMC plans to build an entertainment and food court area with gaming facilities in addition to the multiplex facility to be provided at the complex.

The plan to build a multiplex was originally proposed in 2000 after expiry of the cinema complex lease. However, the plan got a new lease of life after the apex court’s decision in the civic body’s favour to build a multiplex came through in August following a long-drawn legal battle with the cinema house owners.

Said an NDMC official, “According to the Supreme Court order once the cinema premises are vacated by December 31, a total demolition of the building would be undertaken followed by construction of a mall-cum-multiplex on build-operate-transfer basis involving public-private partnership.”

“The tendering process would begin in about 10 days. After another 40 days, by which time the premises would have been vacated, we would go ahead with the redevelopment plan,” he added. According to the NDMC, the complex is scheduled to be constructed in 24 months and thereafter handed over to the concessionaire for a period of 30 years.

To implement this ambitious plan, the civic body proposes to float a global tender of expression of interest and according to a rough estimate is proposing to have 80,000 sq feet plus basement of built-up area in the said multiplex complex. With an eye on the 2010 Commonwealth Games, the NDMC’s main idea behind the redevelopment proposal is to attract tourists and to cater to diplomats and officials of the participating countries.

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