Thiruvananthapuram: The proposal under the Capital Region Development Programme (CRDP) to construct a multi-level sports complex at the revenue land in Vanross junction has not taken off yet and the prime property remains unutilised. It was in 2015 that plans were drawn up to construct a six-floor complex housing sports goods outlets, health clubs, Kerala Olympic Association (KOA) office among others. An iconic KOA facility that stood here was razed after it became dilapidated. In 2016, an expression of interest was floated to start the project but TRIDA staked its claim for a parking complex in the triangular property.
However, it has gone into cold storage after the assembly election. Since then KOA also has been deprived off it’s much sought after location. The Kerala Olympic Association had the custody of the premises since 1953 and the training for gymnastics and fencing took place here. “The plans have been stuck after the election. The Sports Department had roped in consultants to work on the project at KOA premises. Funds will be sought from the financial department,” said a senior KOA official.
Only 890 square metre of the 30 cent property can be made available for development activities as there is a proposal to widen the road in front of it. The project was expected to be commercially viable on its own with a high probability of payback. It was to house separate health clubs for men and women and an underground parking of 578 square feet.
