BANGALORE: If all goes as per plan, one need not cover their nose to reach the new market building at City Market. Cash-strapped Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is planning to rent out the second floor of the building to “electronic media” and a sky-walk will be constructed to reach the new building.
The new market building, which is nearly 15 years old, has three floors including a basement for vehicle parking. The ground and first floor are occupied by flower, vegetable and fruits vendors. BBMP gets Rs 15 lakh per month through rent. However, the second floor, spread over 85,000 square feet, is vacant since its construction.
BBMP is now planning to make this vacant space a “media hub” to benefit electronic media journalists. According to Rajasimha, Technical Advisor to BBMP Commissioner, there are 16 major TV news channels in Bangalore. “This space can accommodate all of them. Providing space under one roof will benefit public as well as media people. We are expecting a rent ranging from Rs 80 lakh to Rs 1 crore per month as this is located in a prime location,” he said.
As it is in the city market area, vendors have occupied surrounding areas. “For easy access to the new building, especially to the second floor, BBMP is constructing a sky walk. It will be made out of steel. One can display advertisements on this steel bridge, which will again be the source for revenue for BBMP,” he said. Not just this, Palike will also install a 100X200 feet lift in the building.
Rajasimha further explained that this will not hamper the heritage K R Market building. “The design is conceptualised in such a manner that the sky walk does not block the view of the old market building. Noted architect Venkataramana Associates has designed the concept. “We sent the presentation to all elected representatives and the Commissioner, who has agreed (to the project). We will soon be calling for the tender,” Rajasimha said.
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