The Hindu : New Delhi News : Shivaji Stadium to be upgraded

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Monday, Jan 14, 2008
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New Delhi

Shivaji Stadium to be upgraded

Manisha Jha

A graphic released by NDMC.

NEW DELHI: After paving the way for re-development of Talkatora Stadium as a boxing venue for the Commonwealth Games in 2010, the New Delhi Municipal Council is now well on its way to begin renovation of Shivaji Stadium.

After sanctioning the expenditure for the ambitious project in November 2007, the civic body is now in the process of preparing the tender documents following the go-ahead given by the Delhi Urban Arts Commission recently. The NDMC has also already roped in Raja Aederi Consultants Private Limited as the architect consultant for the project.

Pegged at about Rs.100 crore, the project involves up-gradation and additional alterations to the building structure to make it fully functional as a training venue for hockey.

An NDMC official said: “The actual hockey competitions during the Commonwealth Games will be held at Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Shivaji Stadium would only be used as a training venue. After its re-development, it will also be equipped to host future national and international hockey tournaments.”

As part of re-development of the stadium, the civic body will construct a new pitch as a warm up area for players in addition to refurbishing the existing play area with synthetic surface. A new five-storey block housing various facilities for athletes will also be constructed in between the two pitches in place of the Clock Tower which will be razed. This multipurpose air-conditioned block will boast of changing rooms, athletes lounge, dope lab, physiotherapy rooms and meeting rooms among other facilities. The 9,400-seat open stadium would also get a roof structure exclusively for the VIP viewing gallery. In addition, NDMC would be regulating separate entry and exit points for players, spectators and VIP’s through the stadium’s four gates.

“Given the space constraints to accommodate the new five-storey block as well as the new warm up pitch in the stadium complex, we will be utilising all available space between the Delhi Transport Corporation bus depot and Connaught Hotel,” said the NDMC official.

The project is slated to be complete by March 2010 and the venue is scheduled to be handed over to the Commonwealth Federation by June 2010.

Built in 1971, the stadium will be undergoing its second major re-development since it was last renovated for the Asian Games in 1982. Compared with National Stadium, this stadium with its spectator stands built right next to the ground is known for ensuring a great view to the spectators.

However, at present the stadium problems range from dilapidated exteriors with broken grass panes to a parking space crunch, given its central location. To address this concern, NDMC has included building of a two-level basement parking for 1,200 cars in its re-development plan.

Apart from attempting to recover the project cost through parking, the civic body is planning to convert the warm up area into an indoor stadium to be rented out for social functions such as weddings and other functions once the Commonwealth Games are over.

The NDMC official said: “We want to re-develop the stadium complex not just from the Commonwealth Games point of view, but also from the legacy point of view. We are also toying with the idea of giving two storeys of the new block on rent with a view to aid cost recovery eventually.”

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