Hyd Metro invites design entries for new shopping complex

Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd (HMR) has invited design entries from practising architects for its proposed commercial complex at Putlibowli here. The complex is meant to house hawkers and traders displaced by the Metro’s road-widening operations in Badichowdi-Sultan Bazar areas.

According to HMRL managing director NVS Reddy, the idea behind the competition is to encourage innovation in design that would reflect the character and features of the Sultan Bazar area, while also providing special facilities for hawkers in the new complex.

The complex would be designed as a 'green' building with natural ventilation and other eco-friendly features. The building will be about 50 metres from the metro rail corridor-1 (Miyapur-LB Nagar) and 300 m from Sultan Bazar-Koti on corridor-2 (JBS-Falaknuma). It will be connected with both the corridors through sky-walks at third and fourth floor levels, providing easy access to metro rail commuters.

The top three designs would be awarded a prize of Rs 2 lakh, Rs 1 lakh and Rs 50,000, respectively. The last date for submission of designs is September 15.

The five-member selection panel will include reputed architects as well as HMRL’s general managers in charge of works and land management. More details about the design competition are available on HMR website, www.hyderabadmetrorail.in.

The complex, to be built on a plot of 2,150 sq yards, will have two cellars and five floors with a total built-up area of about 77,000 sft. It would have ample parking area in the cellars.

HMRL said the shops would be leased at below the market rates. The open areas of the complex with innovatively designed special facilities will be allotted to the affected hawkers. It is open to suggestions from general public as well as the local traders on the facilities needed to make the complex a unique place and to fulfil their shopping needs.