Trichy plans commercial complex at Central bus stand

Trichy: The Trichy Corporation has identified three acres of land at the Central bus stand for redevelopment, with plans to build a commercial complex and monetise the prime facility in the city centre.The move comes after mofussil bus operations were shifted to the Kalaignar Karunanidhi Bus Terminus last year, leaving large parts of the Central bus stand underutilised. At present, the facility mainly serves city buses. Sources said that of the 6.5-acre terminus, the corporation plans to retain 1.4 acres for city bus operations and earmark 0.6 acres as a green belt. Another 1.4 acres will be kept for future needs, leaving around three acres for commercial development. Large portions of the terminus — including bays earlier used by Coimbatore- and Pudukottai-bound buses — are currently unused. The civic body plans to select a concessionaire to develop the commercial facility, operate and maintain it, and hand it back to the corporation after the agreement period of 45 years. "As per the minimum development obligation, the concessionaire can propose any viable option to commercialise the space within the existing legal framework. Multiple options are being considered, but nothing has been finalised yet," a Trichy Corporation source said. The terminus currently has around 77 bus bays, many of which will be redeveloped for commercial use and open space reservation (OSR). Areas abutting Rockins Road and the multi-level parking facility will be retained for city bus operations, while a rectangular stretch along VOC Road near the defence compound has been identified for commercial development. Another portion of land near the Williams Road junction will be reserved for future requirements. Officials said revenue-generating facilities such as food courts, retail outlets, multiplexes and office spaces with adequate parking are being considered. However, sources added that the project is likely to move forward only after the Assembly elections. MSID:: 129514518 413 |