Convention complex nearing completion.

About 100 workers are giving final touches to a magnificent structure spread over 1.90 lakh square feet on Wallajah Salai inside Omandurar government estate. The building — ‘Kalaiarangam’ — a blend of traditional and modern architecture, will be ready in a month.

The State government’s swanky convention complex is being built on the site that once housed the Kalaivanar Arangam. Thirty two murals adorn the front and rear portions of the building. The Rs. 61-crore complex was to be inaugurated in September. However, the complex architectural work led to the delay, Public Works Department (PWD) officials said.

For over six months, about 100 skilled stapathis from Srivilliputhur in Virudhunagar district were involved in the laborious task of carving the murals that are between 6 feet and 20 feet in height. While the murals, depicting mudras of various dance forms, including Bharatanatyam, appear to be of stone work, they are carved in temple style with brick work and stone finish, said the officials.

The front and rear entrances leading to the massive three-storey building have ornate columns topped with intricate cornice work.

PWD sources note that while the pillars have been built in the Dravidian style of architecture, the exterior of the roof is an example of south Indian temple architecture.

Work is on to provide landscaping and water fountains and on seating arrangement at the auditorium that can accommodate 1,000 people. Another multi-purpose hall, complete with a movable partition and a kitchen, can accommodate 1,200 people on the third floor. Two mini-halls, with a seating capacity of 115, are also complete.

The structure will probably be the first government building to have escalators, in addition to elevators.

Disabled-friendly features like ramps and an exclusive toilet complex have been incorporated.

The rent and purpose of the building will, however, have to be decided by the government once it is handed over to Information and Public Relations department.

THE HINDU