KOCHI: The Kerala government is in negotiations to acquire Aspinwall House, a major venue of Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), with DLF, the Delhi-based realty firm that owns the Fort Kochi building.
Top sources said the state plans to acquire the property, built in 1867 and spread over 3.69 acres, through Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
“Though the government had published an acquisition notice in 2018, it lapsed following disagreements over the purchase price. Fresh talks are on,” said a source. It is learnt that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, at a meeting recently, had asked KMB organisers to ensure DLF provides the venue for fifth edition of the four-month-long art exhibition-cum-festival which begins on December 12. Simultaneously, government officers were directed to proceed with talks with DLF to bring down the purchase price. DLF had provided the space for free to KMB for its four editions.
Kochi Biennale Foundation president Bose Krishnamachari confirmed the discussions with DLF but said he was not privy to further details. “From what we know, the government has been in talks with DLF for the property for some time now,” he told TNIE. DLF could not be contacted for comments. Though DLF wants a big valuation of around `100 crore for the property, sources said it may not be easy as the land has several issues that would make it less attractive for other buyers, like a hotel group.
Deal not likely to be finalised before Dec
A part of Aspinwall property comes under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). It is a heritage property, making new construction difficult. Moreover, the state government owns 1.29 acres of land at Fort Kochi, across the Aspinwall property in some areas. Sources clarified that the acquisition won’t mean that the property would belong to Kochi Biennale Foundation.
“It just means the foundation can use it is as a permanent venue for KMB,” said a source.The fifth edition of KMB was postponed twice from December 2020 to its current December 12 date due to the Covid pandemic. “We don’t think the deal can be finalised before the start of this edition,” the source said.
KMB organisers said the Aspinwall property had been in a dilapidated condition before Kochi Biennale Foundation took over and renovated the entire area. “After we started KMB in 2012, the area received international attention,” said a KMB official.