Q: The Durbar Hall that was renovated recently- do you guys think that it will be a factor to drive real estate in and around Ernakulum locality of Kochi?
Despite all this, I think this is providing us residents of Ernakulum with some greenery. Its like a nice park. If it had become a cultural hub, then it would have been all crowded and noisy. I think in the long run it might draw in more sponsors, but as of now we are just enjoyed the beauty of this place.
It would have been a great source of income as well for the district administration, which in turn would have helped them maintain this part of this city. Initially they were charging 15k/day for booking this hall. They expected to get 50k per day after the renovations, which hasnt happened as of now.
Not just the open air stage, there were so many other facilities also evolved from the renovations. The whole ground was given a complete green makeover to invite more people for weekly performances and programs. But there's no scope for any of that, given the poor financial situation of the DTPC.
Basically the DTPC does not have the funds it needs to conduct the programmes on a regular basis. The average cost for organising an event is around Rs 20,000. Sponsors are needed for that, and unfortunately the renovated Durbar Hall is failing to attract sponsors. I also dont think this can be considered as a real estate landmark, because it doenst look like Ernakulum is going to become the next cultural hub.
Yeah, even a state of the art open air stage was constructed as a part of the renovations, to give it that extra touch, but still no takers. Those who had invested in the nearby areas hoping for a price appreciation surge are going to be disappointed, because it doesnt look like this will be contributing in a major way to the market around here.
I dont think it will make that big a mark, to be honest. Despite putting in almost rs 1.44 crores into its renovations, this project has even failed to find a single taker. It was supposed to be the centre of an art hub in Ernakulum, but I dont see that happening, with the lack of interest that has been generated over this project.