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From: "Architexturez." <interface.services@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
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Date: Fri, 02 Feb 2007 10:33:46 +0530
Construction of Asia's biggest Book Mall begins in Kolkata
Arindam Sarkar
Kolkata, February 1, 2007
The complications and litigations over rehabilitation and compensation
package settled, the decks are finally cleared for the construction of
Asia's biggest Book Mall - Varna Parichay - from Polia Boisakh at the
site where once stood the College Street Market.
A dream of book-loving Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, the
world-class Book Mall with a state-of-the-art design, ambience and
facilities for the bookworms would be completed by the Bengal Shelter
Housing Development Limited in the next 24 months.
Inspired by the sprawling 5-lakh sq ft Sitan Book Mall at Peking in
China, the mammoth Kolkata Book Mall would be spread over 15-lakh sq ft
in its seven-floor structure minus the basement. The Book Mall will also
have attached to it a six-floor Multi-Level Car Parking facility that
would accommodate 600 cars at a time.
Designed by the world famous architect Hafeez Contractor, the Book Mall
is a unique blend of Indo-Saracenic and Colonial architecture with that
of the modern times. Special attention has been given to keep the
heritage of the area in focus while designing the structure.
cont'd....
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1917434,000600010003.htm