Bengaluru's Malleswaram Market Complex Moves Toward Operationalisation with BDA's Commercial Leasing Initiative
The long-awaited Malleswaram Market Complex in Bengaluru is poised to take a significant step toward becoming operational, as the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has officially invited bids to lease out commercial facilities within the redeveloped property. This move marks a crucial phase in activating the complex and is expected to generate substantial revenue for the authority.
Commercial Leasing Details and Property Specifications
According to the tender notification issued by the BDA, the highest bidder will be granted rights to utilize the space for a diverse range of commercial activities. These include retail outlets, hotels, food courts, pubs and bars, gyms, office spaces, and other commercial establishments. The commercial facility encompasses the lower and upper basement floors, the ground floor (excluding 192 shops reserved for the Greater Bengaluru Authority), the first to fifth floors, and the terrace.
The property spans approximately 6,522 square meters (around 70,200 square feet) and is strategically located with Sampige Road to the east, Scouts Ground to the west, 13th Cross Road to the north, and properties of Eshwari Seva Mandali and others to the south. This prime location is anticipated to attract significant commercial interest.
Revenue Generation and Vendor Allotment Plans
A BDA official emphasized that leasing space across multiple floors, apart from those reserved for flower, vegetable, and other vendors, will help the authority generate steady long-term revenue while ensuring proper maintenance of the building. "The highest bidder will be selected as concessionaire. The market complex is expected to become operational in the coming months," the official stated.
The BDA has already committed to handing over 192 ground-floor shops to the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) for allotment to vendors who previously operated in the market. The remaining built-up area, which includes a proposed automated multi-level car parking facility, will be opened up for commercial development, further enhancing the complex's utility and appeal.
Challenges and Vendor Perspectives
The redevelopment project has faced numerous challenges over the years, including litigation, difficult geological conditions, and waterlogging issues, which extended the timeline significantly. "Now that the structure is ready, the process has begun to utilize the space for commercial activities and maintenance," the BDA official added, highlighting the progress made despite these obstacles.
Merchants and vendors, who have been operating out of temporary arrangements for over a decade, expressed mixed feelings about the reopening. While they hope it will bring stability to their businesses, some have reservations. Ramaiah, a vendor, shared his concerns: "For over a decade, we've been running our business on the footpath. There is still no clarity on when the complex will reopen. Many are unhappy with the space provided inside; it is too narrow and lacks proper passages. BDA must put all arrangements in place before opening, or it will cause inconvenience to vendors and the public."
This feedback underscores the importance of careful planning and execution as the complex moves toward its operational phase, balancing commercial interests with the needs of long-standing vendors and the community.
