From playground to powerhouse: Chennai’s Royapuram gets Rs 1.5cr sports complex

Despite being a popular place to play for many local people and athletes that has used, the Barracks Ground will see a new lease of life with its transformation into a Rs 1.5-crore multi-sport complex, combining modern amenities with the history of the site's use for sporting purposes.

The Barracks Sports Complex is built over 6000 sqft of space, and it will be open daily from 6am to 10am and from 4pm to 8pm to ensure that it is available to early risers and those that enjoy playing in the evenings.

The Barracks Ground facility is the first of 13 parks and playgrounds to receive upgrades by the Greater Chennai Corporation. This is part of a larger GCC initiative to develop sports facilities in Chennai neighbourhoods to support increased physical activity within the area.

Officials said the Barracks Ground complex is one of 13 playgrounds and parks being upgraded by the Greater Chennai Corporation to include sports facilities, aimed at promoting physical activity across neighbourhoods.

Barracks Ground has hosted state-level sports championships for decades. GCC officials said the refurbishment was planned to respect and preserve this legacy while upgrading the infrastructure to current standards.

Ward 55 councillor L Naveen said Seven Wells has around 32,000 registered voters, with nearly a quarter actively involved in sports, highlighting the need for accessible and affordable public sports facilities.

Veteran players have also welcomed the upgrade. Former councillor and 75-year-old basketball player Subash Chandra Bose said senior players returned to the court immediately after the inauguration, underlining the ground’s continued relevance.

The complex is equipped with drinking water facilities, toilets, CCTV cameras and security guards, aimed at ensuring user comfort and preventing vandalism, officials said.