A Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) gym located on Rosary Church Street in Mylapore has remained locked for more than six months without any public notice, cutting off access to one of the neighborhood’s free fitness facilities. The building now appears neglected, with old tires, discarded two-wheelers, and litter strewn across the entrance and compound. Residents said the prolonged closure and poor upkeep had raised concerns about possible misuse of the space for anti-social activities.
Residents Express Concerns
“Many people used to come and use the gym in the mornings,” said Durai R, a resident who has lived in the area for more than 30 years. He stated that the facility was built more than two decades ago by the then councilor Selvi Soundarajan, using ward funds. “It was even opened briefly during election time, but was abruptly closed,” he added.
Joseph M noted that the gym had served as the only accessible free facility for many people in the neighborhood. “There were some cracks inside the building,” he said. “Redeveloping the gym will be useful, provided the work is expedited and the space does not become abandoned.”
Official Response
GCC officials said the long-shuttered gym had been slated for demolition and redevelopment because the building was too old. Assistant engineer B Ravichandran explained: “Gyms in Rosary Church Street and in Kailasapuram will both be demolished and rebuilt. The work was held up because of model code of conduct. We are yet to receive a demolition notice.”
Baskar Seshadri, a Mylapore-based activist, emphasized that public gyms and parks require periodic maintenance and redevelopment because equipment deteriorates over time. “Rusty equipment has to be replaced regularly,” he said. “These facilities are used every day by children, senior citizens, and the public. Even a minor accident caused by damaged equipment can lead to serious injuries.” He also stressed that the corporation should have displayed a public notice explaining the closure. “Residents must be informed when such facilities are shut for redevelopment,” he added.
The prolonged closure has left the community without a vital free fitness resource, and residents urge swift action to restore the facility.
