The first phase of redevelopment work of the Connemara market at Palayam in the capital is expected to be completed in nine months, according to officials of the Smart City Thiruvananthapuram Limited, which is implementing the project. Minister for Local Self-Governments M.B. Rajesh had laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment work on Wednesday.
The redevelopment activities will be carried out within the market area by retaining the 19th century arched gate, which is considered as one of the heritage monuments of the city. The redeveloped market will consist of a three floor complex, and two additional floors underground for parking. The existing shops, including the fish and vegetable vending markers, will mostly be accommodated in the first floor of the complex. The second and third floors are meant to accommodate new shops.
The Corporation and the Smart City had to initiate a new tender after the company initially contracted for the project backed out from it citing various financial issues. Now, a Hyderabad-based agency has taken up the project at a cost of ₹66.8 crore. A detailed project report prepared earlier was also amended to ensure more space for individual shops.
The project was caught in a stalemate for some months following a controversy over the rehabilitation of traders to a temporary block, as many refused to move citing various issues. The Corporation has spent ₹16 crore to build the rehabilitation block which has a sewage treatment plant, drainage facilities and fire safety measures.