CP's Main Gole Market restoration to begin soon to avoid ‘further degradation’: NDMC

New Delhi [India], August 23 (ANI): The New Delhi Municipal Council has decided the start the work for the restoration of the Main Gole Market at the earliest to avoid “further degradation” of the British-era structure even as the theme for the museum has not been agreed upon, a civic body official informed on Wednesday.
The NDMC had last year approved a proposal for the conservation and restoration of the Main Gole Market building as a museum and redevelopment of its surrounding area, including the construction of a service block and a subway.
The Gole Market was built in the 1920s as a subsidiary market of Connaught Place. It was one of New Delhi’s oldest surviving colonial markets
However, the theme of the museum has not been decided yet. The issue was taken up during a council meeting on Wednesday.
“Members are of the view that the continuous deterioration of the structure should be addressed immediately. During the meeting, it was approved to start all restoration and development activities which are independent of the theme of the museum,” an official informed ANI.
The tender process for the restoration was completed in June.
This will be the first museum of the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and the works for it would cost around Rs 22 crore.
The project was supposed to start in 2006. However, the vacant site could not be handed over due to various court cases
For the restoration, NDMC has already received approvals from the Delhi Urban Art Commission and Heritage Conservation Committee
The scope of work comprises rehabilitation and conservation of the Gole Market and redevelopment of the surrounding area, construction of a service block, and a subway between the block and the market building
The salient features of the museum are the glass dome roof structure at the central courtyard, the recasting of the first-floor level, the insulated roof structure, including a false ceiling, central air conditioning, ornamentals fitting and fixtures, service tunnel, and lifts.
During the meeting, the members also decided on the Implementation and grant of 7th CPC pay scales with reference to all serving and retired NDMC employees. (ANI)