Bangalore Development Authority leasing move to revive Malleswaram Market Complex

Bengaluru: The long-awaited Malleswaram Market Complex is set to move towards operationalisation, with the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) inviting bids to lease out commercial facilities within the redeveloped property.As per the tender notification, the highest bidder will be granted rights to utilise the space for a range of activities including retail outlets, hotels, food courts, pubs and bars, gyms, office spaces and other commercial establishments. The move is expected to activate the complex and generate revenue.The commercial facility comprises the lower and upper basement floors, the ground floor (excluding 192 shops earmarked for Greater Bengaluru Authority), the first to fifth floors, and terrace. Spread across about 6,522sqm (around 70,200sqft), the property has Sampige Road to its east, Scouts Ground to the west, 13th Cross Road to the north, and properties of Eshwari Seva Mandali and others to the south.BDA has already committed to handing over 192 ground-floor shops to GBA for allotment to vendors who used to operate in the market. The remaining built-up area, including a proposed automated multi-level car parking facility, will be opened up for commercial development.A BDA official said leasing space across multiple floors, apart from those reserved for flower, vegetable, and other vendors, will help the authority generate steady long-term revenue while ensuring proper maintenance of the building. "The highest bidder will be selected as concessionaire. The market complex is expected to become operational in the coming months," the official said.The redevelopment project encountered challenges, including litigation, difficult geological conditions, and waterlogging issues, which extended the timeline. "Now that the structure is ready, the process has begun to utilise the space for commercial activities and maintenance," he said.Merchants and vendors, who have been operating out of temporary arrangements, expressed hope that the reopening would bring stability to their businesses but had some reservations. Ramaiah, a vendor, said, "For over a decade, we've been running our business on the footpath. There is still no clarity on when the complex will reopen. Many are unhappy with the space provided inside; it is too narrow and lacks proper passages. BDA must put all arrangements in place before opening, or it will cause inconvenience to vendors and the public."