Food enthusiasts in Chennai will soon have a new destination to explore. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is set to open its first-ever food court on Indira Nagar 3rd Avenue in Adyar within the next two months. The project, estimated to cost ₹4.24 crore, is modeled after the food court concept implemented by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL).
Food Court Features and Design
The facility will accommodate approximately 30 shops, including smaller units of 110 square feet and larger units of 220 square feet. Dedicated parking spaces for 20 two-wheelers and 16 cars will be provided, along with a common dining area for visitors. The civic body demolished a portion of an existing, unused shopping complex owned by the corporation to make way for the project.
“We recently commenced the foundation work for the food court, and it is progressing at full pace. The project is expected to be completed within the next two months,” said a senior GCC official.
Revenue-Sharing Model
Instead of leasing individual shops directly to brands or franchises, the corporation has opted for a revenue-sharing model. The entire facility will be leased to a single operator, who will then sublet the 30 stalls to various food and beverage outlets. “Instead of leasing each shop separately, we have decided to lease the entire food court to a single operator, who will then sublet the stalls to different branded outlets. We believe this model will ensure better management of the facility and generate higher revenue for the corporation,” the official explained.
Community Impact and Future Plans
Residents have welcomed the initiative. “The area gets crowded during evenings, and many people currently eat on the roadside. A planned food court can help organize street food vendors and offer a better experience for customers,” said K Hari Kumar, a resident of Adyar.
Based on public response, the civic body is expected to consider establishing similar facilities in other parts of the city. The food court aims to provide a hygienic and organized environment for food lovers while generating revenue for the corporation.
