Chennai's First Musical Supertree Tower Set to Open at Kalaignar Centenary Park
Chennai is on the brink of unveiling its first-ever musical supertree tower, a landmark structure poised for inauguration at Kalaignar Centenary Park in the coming weeks. This innovative addition promises to become a new hub for residents to savor breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, as the 30-metre-high tower nears completion.
Architectural Marvel Inspired by Singapore
Modelled after Singapore's renowned Supertree Grove, the foliage-clad tower blends concrete and steel, featuring vertical greenery that wraps its stem and steel branches radiating 24 metres wide. The eight-storey edifice will house a café on the seventh floor and two viewing decks: a glass gallery and an open terrace, offering panoramic vistas of city lights and the sealine.
Thousand Lights MLA N Ezhilan highlighted the tower's allure, stating, "The structure will be covered with live plants, and the branches will be illuminated. It will feature a light-and-sound show, making it a key attraction. It will be a gift to Chennai." He added that efforts have been made to infuse the design with a "Dravidian ethos," drawing inspiration from Singapore's hanging gardens.
Facilities and Visitor Experience
The tower is equipped with two lifts and stair access featuring landing spaces, providing nearly 3,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor viewing space. An official noted, "The café will be inaugurated later. We are working out the details," indicating phased openings to enhance visitor engagement.
Kalaignar Centenary Park, developed on land reclaimed by the state in 2023 from the Agri Horticultural Society, opened in 2024 and already attracts around 500 visitors daily. The supertree tower is expected to significantly boost footfall, transforming the park into a premier recreational destination.
Parking Concerns Amidst Excitement
Despite the enthusiasm, local residents have raised parking issues as a pressing concern. K Dakshinamoorthy, a regular visitor, pointed out, "On weekends, this space becomes crowded. A parking plan or a driveway for cabs to drop passengers has not been planned. This causes chaos on Cathedral Road. The situation is bound to worsen once the supertree is inaugurated."
This feedback underscores the need for infrastructural adjustments to accommodate the anticipated surge in visitors, ensuring a smooth experience for all.
Conclusion
As Chennai prepares to welcome this musical supertree tower, it stands as a testament to urban innovation and cultural integration. While it promises to be a gift to the city with its immersive light-and-sound shows and scenic views, addressing parking challenges will be crucial for its long-term success and community satisfaction.
