After many years of delays and repeated repair work, the 137-year-old
Victoria Hall is ready to reopen early this week. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin
is expected to inaugurate the historic building on EVR Periyar Salai near
Moore Market. Once reopened, Victoria Hall is expected to become an active
public space again, hosting evening music programmes and speeches by
well-known speakers. A professional agency will be in charge of managing
the hall.
The two-storey building is built in the Indo-Saracenic style. It is 48
metres long and 24 metres wide. The main roof is about 19 metres high,
while the central tower rises to 34 metres. After many stop-and-start
renovation efforts over the past several decades, the heritage structure
is finally ready for public use.
Ahead of the inauguration, officials from the Greater Chennai Corporation
have been working day and night to finish the final preparations.
The open area in front of the hall now has models of cycle rickshaws,
trams, and boats. These show the kinds of transport once used in Chennai
and will also serve as selfie spots for visitors, an official said.