Delay in reconstruction of Tagore Centenary Hall in Kozhikode worries cultural activists

Cultural activists in Kozhikode are worried over the inordinate delay in the reconstruction of the Tagore Centenary Hall, a key venue for performances and shows in Kozhikode city.

The hall was demolished in 2025 to make way for a modern, multi-purpose cultural complex. However, work on the new building is yet to begin. The premises are now being mainly used to dump waste bags.

Anil Marath, State secretary, Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), said on Thursday (October 22, 2026) that the building should not have been demolished before making alternative arrangements. Similar cultural venues in other parts of the State were renovated while retaining the original structure. He also alleged that the Kozhikode Corporation, which manages the building, was clueless about what to do now. “The local body is reportedly waiting for funds from the Local Self-Government department. The officials are unable to say when the construction work will begin,” he added.

According to sources, the Corporation had earlier got administrative sanction from the previous Left Democratic Front government for a ₹67.75-crore reconstruction project. A detailed project report was approved as well. The plan was to get loans from the Kerala Urban and Rural Development Finance Corporation.

‘Key role in cultural life of Kozhikode’

A.G. Rajan, Kozhikode district president, IPTA, said that the Tagore Centenary Hall had a key role in the cultural life of Kozhikode. Plays, film shows, musical events, and other cultural events used to be held there. At present, cultural organisations were finding it difficult to get such a venue, he added.

The hall was inaugurated in 1973 to mark the birth centenary of Rabindranath Tagore. The Corporation had taken up works many times to improve the amenities there. However, the hall was closed down in 2023 after fitness issues cropped up. The Corporation demolished the structure two years later. A book shop, multiplex theatre, and coffee shop are part of the design of the new building. The main hall is proposed to accommodate 2,000 people. Another mini hall with a capacity of 150 people, and a dining hall too are part of the plan.

Meanwhile, Sujatha Koodathingal, standing committee chairperson on public works, Kozhikode Corporation, told The Hindu that ₹47 crore would be taken as loans to fund the reconstruction project. The rest of the amount required for the works would be released by the local body from its own funds in phases. Asked about the delay in beginning the construction works, she said that some alterations had to be made in the original plan related to the parking area. Ms. Koodanthingal said that the altered plan would have to go through another approval process. She added that it would be completed in another two months and the construction would start soon.