Budapest’s Corvin Center redevelopment can be a model to develop slums in City: report

C Shivakumar

Chennai:

The redevelopment of Corvin Centre in Budapest could be used as a model to redevelop low density and highly congested areas like the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board tenements and George Town area, according to a report given by the state delegation which visited the Hungarian capital.

The delegation, which included housing and urban development minister, transport minister , transport secretary, housing and urban development secretary and the Chennai Corporation Commissioner, in its report following the visit to Hungary from June 27- 29 submitted that Corvin Center, a dangerous and impoverished area spread over 22 acres of land was redeveloped into a vibrant, mixed-use project anchored by a modern indoor shopping mall.

“It is now the largest  on-going development in Hungary, altogether 500,000 sqm newly built area out of which 250,000 sqm is currently under development,” the report which is with the government stated.

Low density and highly congested areas like the TNSCB tenements and George Town area can be taken up for redevelopment on similar principles. “Such development will result in the construction of more tenements for the slum dwellers at the same time make the area less congested. TNSCB, Tamil Nadu Housing Board and Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority can attempt redevelopment,” the report added.

The report also praised Budapest for revitalizing public spaces. “Miles of streets have been redone into vibrant public spaces, including pedestrianized zones where vehicle traffic is restricted. Underground parking spaces have been created under the streets and busy junctions. Subways are very lively, brightly lit, providing good shopping experience and are user friendly. Advertisement is allowed at designated places. Bollards are generously used to prevent misuse of pavements,” the report said.

Similarly, various critical spaces in Chennai be taken up for similar transformation. Places like George Town, Parrys Corner, Mylapore, Anna Nagar Round Tana, T Nagar and other public spaces can be transformed into iconic locations in Chennai. Also various lakes of Chennai like the Chetpet Lake, Velacherry Lake etc. be taken up for complete transformation into vibrant and green public spaces,” the report added.