Urban Haat to be developed as tourist hotspot: Tript Bajwa

Tribune News Service

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Amritsar, November 14

The Punjab Government has leased out Urban Haat located near Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh under a public private partnership (PPP) mode. The total area for the project is approximately 18,615.5 square meters.

Disclosing this, Housing and Urban Development Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa said the purpose behind giving such places, including Urban Haat, on lease was to ensure the retention and productive reuse of structures having historic, architectural or cultural values instead of seeing their underutilisation or demolition because their original use had become functionally obsolete.

He said the place would be developed as a tourist and food junction and it would reflect the state's rich history and culture, besides offering Punjabi delicacies to the visitors.

The minister said the Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) has leased out Urban Haat to a leading Punjab-based company having experience in running food courts and hotels.

Bids were invited by the ADA for refurbishment, operation and maintenance of Urban Haat under the PPP mode.

In response, bids from leading companies from North India having substantial experience of running projects of similar kind were received. For running the project, the highest bid of Rs81 lakh per annum was received. Besides, the successful bidder will pay an amount of Rs1 crore as the upfront fee.

The successful bidder shall make available a commercial shopping arcade, banquet facility for holding social functions, parties, corporate events and exhibitions at the place.