VISAKHAPATNAM: Gurajada Kalakshetram, the well-known open air auditorium in the city, is taking baby steps to renovate the facility. Founded in 1986, the auditorium is a place where many artistes have showcased their talent and got an identity.
The Hudhud cyclone destroyed the auditorium. The renovation works taken up Visakhapatnam Urban Development Authority (VUDA) are now making efforts to complete the project without delay. The proposed project will be taken up using polycarbonate sheet roofing on steel trusses that have been designed to withstand strong wind speeds. “The sheet-roof auditorium would retain the ambience so that the organisers and the audience would feel comfortable to conduct events in all weather conditions,” said VUDA superintendent engineer M Appanna. “The project taken up with an outlay of `5.5 crore, can accommodate up to 3,000-4,000 in the auditorium,” he added.
While the auditorium was previously constructed with cement benches, the VUDA is now planning to dismantle them and introduce wooden chairs. “We have taken up designs from the professors of Structural Engineering department, Andhra University, for the structural form of the auditorium. We will also modernise the stage, green rooms and lighting facility. The auditorium is likely to be ready by March,” he told Express.