The MCD headquarters is slated to move out of the Town Hall soon. With work on the Civic Centre likely to get over by March, various departments will start moving into the new premises April onwards.

The MCD has already finalised its shifting plans, scheduled to take place in six phases. The Engineering Department will be the first to move in to the new headquarters. “Having more knowledge of the construction, the Engineering department will be able to take care of initial teething problems. The rest will then follow,” said the office of the Additional Commissioner.

The Deliberative wing of the Corporation will be the last one to move. “The decision to shift the offices of councillors has to be taken by the Municipal Secretary’s Office. Also, once the departments start operating out of the new office, it will be easier to shift the councillors,” said an official.

The Corporation also plans to hire a consultant next month to develop the soon-to-be defunct Town Hall into a tourist destination.

“The MCD needs to engage a consultant for preparing a report on developing the Town Hall building and the surrounding areas. We will put the matter before the Standing Committee on Wednesday. After approval from the Committee and the House, we will invite expressions of interest,” said an MCD official.

As per plans, the Town Hall will be developed into a heritage hotel. The premises will also have a museum, theatre hall and amphitheatre, light-and-sound theatre, shopping complex, food courts and plazas.

... contd.