The Hindu : Front Page : YMIA wants Gokhale Hall demolished

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Monday, Dec 04, 2006
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YMIA wants Gokhale Hall demolished

Sandhya Soman

Historic building is structurally unsafe, says governing body

CHENNAI : The governing body of Young Men's Indian Association (YMIA) has decided to move authorities seeking permission to demolish the "structurally unsafe" Gokhale Hall building on Armenian Street, George Town. It will be reconstructed to accommodate parking lots, conference halls and an auditorium.

The building, one of the city's famous landmarks, was funded by Annie Besant to further the activities of YMIA, a trust she founded in 1914 to promote youth activities.

According to honorary secretary G. Subramanian, the outfit's activities have been curtailed due to the poor condition of the building that has been deemed unsafe due to "age and poor maintenance" by two consultants engaged by the YMIA.

"We were forced to shift the gymnasium, table tennis and reading room facilities to a nearby building. We will approach the authorities soon after we relocate the YMIA office," said Mr. Subramanian.

According to the secretary, the primary aim of demolition and reconstruction is to continue all the YMIA activities from the same building on 66, Armenian Street, after improving infrastructure. Retaining the building, particularly the Gokhale Hall with its huge dome of a roof and a history of distinguished speakers and cultural programmes, would not facilitate this. Besides, renovation, was not financially viable, he said.

" The consultants have given us an estimate close to Rs. 3 crore. On approval from the Corporation and the CMDA, we will proceed," added Mr. Subramanian.

Meanwhile, a writ petition filed by one of the life members seeking to prevent shifting of YMIA activities from 66, Armenian Street is pending before a city civil court.

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