PANAJI
The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) has floated Rs 110 crore tender for the development of a Town Square in Porvorim, under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) Scheme. The project is expected on 10,923 square meters of land belonging to the Goa Housing Board (GHB), as discussed earlier during stakeholders meeting a month ago.
Designed as a multi-functional cultural hub, the Town Square will feature five distinct zones, including an amphitheater, basement parking for about 200 vehicles including two-wheelers, a market court, and a multifunctional space comprising a food court with seating for 100 people, a flea market, pop-up bazaars, toilet blocks, food carts and souvenir shops.
As per the tender, the central court will include a musical fountain, a watchtower, a splash pad and a movie court equipped with projection mapping. Other planned amenities include an artisan’s platform, a heritage court, and administrative spaces.
The proposal was discussed during a stakeholders meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pramod Sawant wherein the officials emphasized Goa’s potential to host year-round cultural and community events while citing that the State at present lacks dedicated spaces for public gatherings and heritage showcases.
“There is an absence of such dedicated formal spaces for these festivities. There are no dedicated gathering spaces for the community, or formal venues to experience and showcase Goa's activities and heritage,” it stated while proposing a dedicated space for the project.
As part of the development plan, the Tourism Department also submitted a proposal to the Housing Board to transfer land required for the project. The Ministry of Tourism has already sanctioned Rs 90.74 crore for the initiative.
