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| The Victoria Hall Chennai newindianexpress.com |
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| The Victoria Hall (1890), Chennai /en.wikipedia.org |
Victoria Public Hall in Chennai, a magnificent heritage building, has a rich and storied past that saw it transform from a colonial-era theater into a silent witness to pivotal moments in Indian history. Constructed between 1887 and 1890 to mark Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee, the hall, designed by architect Robert Fellowes Chisholm, served as a central venue for both theatrical performances and important public gatherings. It notably hosted the founding meeting of the Justice Party in 1916 and, in 1915, was the venue where Mahatma Gandhi attended a staging of the play Harischandra.
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| Victoria hall, Chennai \thehindu.com |
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| Victoria hall, Chennai .indiatimes.com/ |
Above image: Victoria Hal Chennai is a classic example of official apathy and lack of interest in heritage structures on the part authorities concerned Times of India dated July 23, 2018 article pointed out that the building was crumbling after 30 years of disuse on account of neglect and the historical hall was locked and people were not allowed to enter the premises for decades. It may be restored over a period of time, but the glory and the sheen can not be recovered. ..........
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| Victoria Hall, Chennai. indiatimes.com |
Above image: Victoria Hall, an iconic red-brick colored building in Chennai is one of the last remaining colonial structures in Madras built in Indo-Saracenic architectural style that was popularized by Robert Chisholm who created an architectural wonder by combining native Indo-European design styles and aesthetics.......
For decades after independence, the hall suffered from significant neglect, remaining closed for extended periods. Its first major renovation was undertaken in 1967 under the leadership of then-Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai, followed by another in the early 1990s. The 21st century brought a renewed and more focused effort to restore the building. A significant project was initiated in 2010, with funds allocated for both Victoria Hall and the adjacent Rippon Building. This phase, part of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, was carried out with meticulous planning to preserve the hall's heritage elements. The work, costing Rs. 3.96 crore, was periodically reviewed by bodies such as the Archaeological Survey of India, Anna University, and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, to ensure that the restoration maintained its historical integrity. By its completion in July 2011, approximately 70% of the work was finished, including critical tasks like flooring, stairway restoration, and plastering of walls.
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| Victoria Public Hall, Chennai,instagram.com |
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| Victoria Hall under renovation, Chennai. indiatimes.com |
Above image: Victoria Hall, Chennai; Progress of restoration work at a slow phase.
stalled in 2016, not due to a lack of funds but because of the upcoming Chennai Metro project. A civic body later sanctioned an additional Rs. 1.75 crore to complete the remaining restoration, which focused on the roofing, false ceiling, doors, and windows. The broader intention was to reopen the hall for various public uses.
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| Victoria Hall,Chennai oneindia.com |
More recent and comprehensive plans are now underway to fully transform the hall into a vibrant public space. A Detailed Project Report has been prepared for a large-scale renovation project estimated to cost Rs. 28.7 crore. The vision for the renewed Victoria Public Hall is a multifaceted one, aimed at making it a dynamic cultural hub. The plans include a museum on the ground floor with themes related to the city's rich history, which will be changed periodically. The first floor is designated to hold public meetings, conferences, and seminars. Additionally, the ground floor will be fitted with essential amenities such as toilets and restaurants. The open space surrounding the building will be utilized for periodic, open-air exhibitions and events, with all public functions to be handled by a specialized consultant. This ambitious restoration aims to finally restore the hall to its former glory and ensure it once again serves as a vital community asset. The building suffered “settlement issues” after the recent underground Metro rail work and two vertical cracks developed on the north and south facades The building suffered “settlement issues” after the recent underground Metro rail work and two vertical cracks developed on the north and south facades In October 2022 the corporation had a proposal to recommend seismic retrofitting to make it less vulnerable to displacement in case of an earthquake.
Based on the latest reports, the restoration of Victoria Public Hall in Chennai is nearing completion, though its public reopening has been delayed. The project, initiated in March 2023 under the Greater Chennai Corporation's Singara Chennai 2.0 scheme, is a comprehensive effort with a budget of Rs 32.62 crore.
While the core restoration work on the building is substantially complete, the official reopening has been postponed to accommodate the establishment of a new museum inside. The initial completion timeline of 24 months was extended due to additional infrastructure work, including the laying of stormwater drains. The ground floor is being converted into a museum, while the first floor will serve as an auditorium and cultural venue.
A technical committee is in place to finalize the museum's theme and content, which will focus on Chennai's history, including the evolution of cinema and sports in the city. The goal is to create a dynamic, "rolling" museum with themes that will change periodically to attract repeat visitors. The work, carried out by Maharashtra-based firm Savani Heritage Conservation, has involved a meticulous process to retain the building's original Indo-Saracenic architectural elements while incorporating modern enhancements like seismic retrofitting for structural stability. Once open, the premises will be used for regular cultural programs and public events, with entry expected to be free for visitors.
https://navrangindia.blogspot.com/2022/07/victoria-hall-of-chennai-completing.html
https://navrangindia.blogspot.com/2017/01/victoria-public-hall-colonial-madras.html
