The delay in the renovation of Tagore Centenary Hall in Kozhikode worries cultural activists

Garbage dumped on the land where the Tagore Centenary Hall once stood in Kozhikode. | Photo credit: K. Ragesh

Cultural activists in Kozhikode are concerned about the inordinate delay in the renovation of the Thakuru Centenary Hall, a key venue for performances and shows in Kozhikode city.

The hall was demolished in 2025 to make way for a modern, multi-purpose cultural complex. However, work on the new building is just beginning. The spaces are now mainly used for storing garbage bags.

Anil Marath, state secretary of the Indian People’s Theater Association (IPTA), said on Thursday (October 22, 2026) that the building should not have been demolished until alternative measures were taken. Similar cultural sites in other parts of the state have been reconstructed while preserving the original structure. He also claimed that the Kozhikode Corporation, which manages the building, did not know what to do now. “The local authority is said to be waiting for funds from the local government department. Officials cannot say when the construction work will start,” he added.

According to sources, the corporation earlier had an administrative sanction from the previous Left Democratic Front government for a renovation project of ₹67.75 crore. A detailed project report was also approved. The plan was to get loans from the Kerala Urban and Rural Development Finance Corporation.

“Key role in the cultural life of Kozhikode”

AG Rajan, President, Kozhikode District, IPTA, said the Tagore Centenary Hall played a pivotal role in the cultural life of Kozhikode. Theater plays, film performances, music events and other cultural events were held here. Currently, it is difficult for cultural organizations to find such a place, he added.

The hall was inaugurated in 1973 on the occasion of Rabindranath Tagore’s birth centenary. The company has started many times to improve the equipment there. However, the hall was closed in 2023 after fitness problems arose. The company demolished the building two years later. The design of the new building includes a bookstore, multiplex cinema and a cafe. The main hall is designed to hold 2000 people. Another mini hall with a capacity of 150 people and a dining room are part of the plan.

Meanwhile, Sujatha Koodathingal, Standing Chairperson, Public Works Committee, Kozhikode Corporation, told The Hindu that ₹47 crore will be taken as loans to fund the reconstruction project. The rest of the amount needed for the works would be released by the local authority from its own funds in stages. When asked about the delay in the start of construction work, she said that in the original plan it was necessary to make some adjustments regarding the parking area. Ms Koodanthingal said the amended plan would have to go through another approval process. She added that it will be ready in the next two months and construction will begin soon.

Published – 22 Oct 2026 19:39 IST