Siri Fort cultural centre to shut down for renovation

New Delhi, Oct 31 (IANS) The capital's cultural display hub at Siri Fort is going to shut down for four months for a makeover. The centre with four auditoriums is going to undergo renovation for the approaching Commonwealth Games next year.

'Siri Fort is going to be closed for renovation from Dec 1 to April 30 next year. We are going to completely and nicely refurbish it and hope to finish it on time. We have already closed all bookings from Dec 1 onwards,' a Siri Fort official told IANS, on condition of anonymity.

'While the biggest auditorium among the four here will be closed till April 30, the other three won't be available till March 31,' the official added.

The biggest auditorium (Audi I) at Siri Fort has a seating capacity of 1,865 followed by that of 397, 270 and 67 respectively for the other three (Audi II, III and IV).

However the official denied 'any plans for capacity extension' during renovation.

The authorities are also considering 'hiking the hire charges of the auditoriums', as the rates for the four haven't been changed since the early 1990s.

'The booking charges depend upon the shift, working day, cultural shows (commercial or non-commercial), cinema shows (ordinary or premieres), fashion shows, function or conference or general meeting,' informed the official.

The 'green rooms, VIP Lounge, lobby and video projector' are also available at 'specific charges per shift including extra charges per hour'.

An auditorium can be booked for a programme only after 'obtaining NOCs (no-objection certificate) from DCP (deputy commissioner of police) Licensing and Entertainment Tax office'.