Beauty spots for Kochi

KOCHI: The public spaces in the city will soon wear a new look with the    Kochi Corporation initiating steps to implement the City Space Improvement  Project. As per the plan, the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA-Cochin chapter)   will soon prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for seven pilot projects.The preliminary survey for DPR preparation will be carried out on Saturday  and Sunday and the project reports are expected to be submitted within a month.The IIA will also organise a competition within its members to identify  structural designs for each project. The approximate cost for preparing the project reports is estimated at Rs 30 lakh.After completing the DPR and identifying the designs, the civic body is   planning to implement the projects in a public-private-participation (PPP) mode. It is learnt that agencies including Confederation of Indian Industry (KCCI), Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), private entities like Inkel and public sector undertakings like Kochi Refineries Limited (KRL) have already expressed their willingness to co-operate with the Corporation in implementing the projects.“The project mainly aims at the beautification of public spaces. In the first phase, IIA will complete the preparation of the DPR for remodelling the footpath on the Goshree Road-KTDC Junction stretch, renovation of junctions including Thevara, Ravipuram, Pallimukku and Thoppumpady and renovation of libraries at Panayippilly and Chillikkal,”  said IIA-Cochin chapter chairman L Gopakumar.He said the basic plan for the competition to select the designs would be launched by April 23.Family parksUnder the City Space Improvement Projects, major libraries under the Kochi  Corporation will be given a facelift. Along with the renovation of the  libraries, a park will also be developed next to them. The idea is to remodel the facilities into a family park with library where people can spend time together and have discussions on books. “As pilot projects, IIA will prepare project reports for renovating Kochunni Library  at Panayapally and M K Raghavan Library at Chullikkal,” Gopakumar added.