KOCHI: By retaining the glory of the more than 50-year-old Town Hall, which is one of the major landmarks in the city, the Kochi Corporation authorities have finally completed its renovation work. The Town Hall was renovated under the ‘Mission 15-8-15’ project of the civic body at an estimated cost of Rs 3.17 crore. The renovated Town Hall will be inaugurated by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Saturday. The Town Hall which has witnessed various political, cultural and entertainment events in the past is one of the oldest buildings in the city. The foundation stone for the hall was laid in 1957 by the then Ernakulam Municipal Council chairman Peter
Correia. The work was completed in three years. The hall was inaugurated in 1961 by the then Union Minister A M Thomas.
In 1999, the then LDF Government extended its help in renovating the Town Hall. The idea of a new block attached to the Hall was also mooted. Named after communist stalwart EMS, the foundation stone for the new block was laid in 1999. The EMS Memorial Hall, attached to the Town Hall, was opened in December 2001 by the then Chief Minister A K Antony. Both the main hall and mini auditorium are the major venues for various programmes.
However, by 2010, fissures developed in the walls of the old building. The present council decided to renovate the structure in 2013. The renovation works were carried out after ensuring its structural stability. Out of the total cost, Rs 2.3 crore was spent for civil works and Rs 52 lakh to restore the power supply. The seating arrangement was also revamped by spending Rs 15 lakh.