And so, finally, Victoria Public Hall is back to its old glory. In a sense, it has been returned to the public to whom it rightfully belongs. What is now of utmost importance is to appreciate this precious legacy and ensure that it does not get trapped once again in a maze of bureaucracy and, worse, legalese. But before that, it is necessary to understand what rendered VP Hall dysfunctional as a people’s venue for over sixty years.

The Scope of VP Hall Restoration as Executed Now

VP Hall and Troubles from the Very Beginning

The problems probably began when the building was conceptualised. The land belonged to the Corporation and the 3.14 acres were leased at a rent of fifty paise per ground to the private Trust that ran the Hall. Trouble surfaced as early as 1921, when the Advocate General filed a scheme suit before the High Court to lay down guidelines for administration. Even then, trustees were accused of appropriating rental income. The Court also mandated that permission be sought before handing the Hall over to the Corporation.

Litigation and Loss of Licence at VP Hall

In 1950, the Corporation sought control of the property, and the Trust challenged this move in court. Amidst this conflict, the Public Resort Licence of the Hall was cancelled in 1952. As a result, VP Hall could not be rented out for events and received no such income until 1972. Lessees continued paying minimal rents, leaving virtually nothing for maintenance. Litigation ended in 1956, after which the Corporation gained possession and completed renovations the following year.

A New Trust, Old Problems

A new Trust Board was constituted, comprising the Sheriff, the Mayor, representatives of trade bodies, the Maharajah of Vizianagaram, and a High Court nominee, with the Corporation Commissioner as Secretary. However, the suspension of the Corporation Council meant vacancies in key posts. The Board, as lessee, sub-leased the premises. Shops emerged on the eastern front, the Chennapuri Andhra Mahasabha built its own structure, and a hotel came up to the south. Everyone earned revenue except the Hall itself.

Decline Through Neglect at VP Hall

While the main building remained inactive and income-less, sub-lessees profited, including from film shoots. The Hall steadily deteriorated. The 99-year lease expired in 1985, yet nothing was done until 2009, when trustees decided to hand the premises back to the Corporation. Sub-lessees went to court, arguing their presence did not obstruct restoration. The courts overruled them, clearing the path for restoration, which was then delayed again due to Metrorail construction. Only after that did real progress begin.

Early Attempts at Rescue

Amidst this confusion, there were earlier attempts to save VP Hall. A plaque records a restoration order in 1967 by Chief Minister CN Annadurai, who reportedly prevented plans to demolish the building for a cinema theatre. What was achieved then remains unclear. The eastern portico, architecturally discordant with the rest of the structure, likely dates to this period and has unfortunately been retained. Later efforts in the 1990s also stalled, despite good intentions.

From Hope to Stagnation

In 1992–93, Sheriff Suresh Krishna initiated restoration efforts, followed by momentum during MK Stalin’s mayoralty in 1996. In 2010, the Corporation allotted Rs 3.06 crore for restoration, accompanied by ambitious conservation plans. Yet little seems to have materialised. A heritage walk that year revealed collapsing stairways, bat infestations and a visibly sagging first floor. Then came the Metrorail work, which affected the foundation, though the superstructure remained intact.

Restoration at Last

The final and successful restoration began in May 2023, when the Greater Chennai Corporation undertook comprehensive conservation under Singara Chennai 2.0 at a cost of Rs 32.6 crore. Though delayed beyond the 24-month deadline, the work preserved the original architectural character while improving structural safety. It included seismic strengthening, roof restoration, interior and exterior conservation, upgraded services and façade lighting. With a built-up area of 2,200 sq m, VP Hall has regained its historic grandeur.

A Living Heritage for the Future

The restoration, led by Abha Narain Lambah Associates with execution by Savani Heritage, stands as an exemplar of how heritage buildings should be treated. The attention now shifts to governance. The real challenge lies in how the Corporation will manage VP Hall and, more importantly, ensure that it functions as a living heritage structure — active, accessible and respected — rather than once again slipping into neglect under the weight of administrative inertia.

This article appeared in Madras Musings–https://madrasmusings.com/vol-35-no-18/vp-hall-a-tale-with-many-tortuous-twists/

My book, Chennai, A Biography can be ordered-http://-http://- https://sriramv.com/2021/12/27/how-to-buy-autographed-copies-of-chennai-a-biography-from-outstation/