The government is going to build a modern multi-storey convention centre doubling as a commercial building in Chittagong to meet a decade-long demand of the port city people.
Sena Kalyan Sangstha (SKS) has been entrusted with the implementation of the Tk 300 crore project proposed by the Chittagong Development Authority (CDA).
The building will stand on over 1.46 acres of land at Kazir Dewri in the port city and will be as tall as a 32-storey high-rise but will have 20-25 floors. It will be one of the tallest high-rises in Chittagong city.
“We've already demolished three-fourths of the old three-storey Enesel Bhaban at the construction site. The demolition work will be completed soon. We want to make the best use of the oncoming dry season for the construction work,” General Manager of the SKS (Real Estate Division) Engineer Maj M Rezaul Karim told the news agency recently.
He said they had initially set a budget of Tk 250 crore but it might exceed Tk 300 crore.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the construction work in September, said Maj Karim. The project deadline is not finalised yet, he added.
According to the project plan, the first six floors of the high-rise will be used as the convention centre with a parking facility for 400 vehicles. The building will have seminar halls, a mini theater, restaurants, a three-star hotel, office spaces for commercial institutions, display centres and revolving restaurants and a helipad on the roof.
Officials said over 2,500 audience members would be able to enjoy any event together at the convention centre, while the ground floor would allow hosting traditional mejban (grand feast) or fair for more than 2,000 visitors or guests.
During a visit to the site, Environment and Forests Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said the present government had worked for the project but it was delayed due to land acquisition-related complexities.
He said the space was not big enough but the location was nice, and people from all parts of the city would have an easy access to the centre.
Maj Rezaul Karim said they had a plan to ensure 25 percent of the total power supply of the building through solar energy.
A source said China and Japan had expressed interest to fund the project but it might be implemented through a Trust Bank loan if the foreign support was not available. The issue of financing will hopefully be settled within a couple of months.