Vision for Transformation
In a bold move to revitalize one of Chennai’s most historic public spaces, the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) is developing a new exhibition centre at Island Grounds, targeted for completion by December 2025. This project aims to reinvigorate the 19th-century 135-acre venue—notably famed for hosting the India Tourist and Industrial Fair—as a year-round hub for exhibitions and cultural engagement.
Site and Design Drawbacks
Initially envisioned to span 18 acres, the project was scaled down to 3.10 acres due to regulatory constraints, including Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ-II) limits and proximity to Fort St. George. Nevertheless, its compact footprint is optimized for maximum impact.
Architectural Features
Constructed as a stilt plus two-storey structure rising to 24 meters, the centre will offer 15,373 sqm of built-up space. It’s designed with flexibility and adaptability at its core.
Functional Elements
Equipped with 20 modular exhibition stalls (each 400 sq ft), an amphitheatre, inviting public plaza, landscaped gardens, parking facilities, and a waterfront promenade, the centre promises multipurpose functionality and visitor appeal all year round.
Heritage-Inspired Aesthetics
The design draws inspiration from Indo-Saracenic architectural elements, allowing the modern construction to resonate with the visual heritage of nearby landmarks such as the University of Madras.
Community Engagement Features
To ensure broad appeal, planners have included a restaurant accessible to visitors from nearby Marina Beach and a children’s play area, aiming to transform the centre into a family-friendly, cultural destination.
Regulatory Influences
Stringent oversight from aviation, defense, and heritage authorities has shaped the project’s design—height restrictions and monument proximity (within 180 m of Fort St. George) were carefully considered throughout the development process.
Cultural Reawakening
Local residents express hope that the facility will not only host trade exhibitions but also serve as a potential venue for events like book fairs and public forums—enriching North Chennai’s cultural landscape.
