Centenary Auditorium at University of Madras is set to get a facelift in January

Iconic Centenary Auditorium at University of Madras to undergo major renovation by PWD, including structural repairs and upgrades.

After many years, the iconic Centenary Auditorium on the University of Madras’ Chepauk campus will undergo a major renovation.

The Public Works Department (PWD)’s Building Centre and Conservation Division, which is involved in the restoration of historical structures, will begin work to renovate the auditorium in January. The venue holds significance due to hosting several important government functions and swearing-in ceremonies.

Built in 1965, the auditorium has two floors and an east-facing balcony and is spread over 81,453 sq.ft. It was inaugurated by Sir Jaya Chamaraja Udaiyar Bahadur, the then Governor of Madras. With an impressive facade, the 17.50 metre tall structure has been a much sought-after venue for seminars, fairs, and convocations.

PWD officials said the work was being taken up at a cost of ₹26.32 crore following a request from the Registrar of the university. It will be the first time in many years that renovation of this scale was carried out at the venue. The building, which has a steel truss roof, had only undergone maintenance previously.

Sources in the university said the previous convocation in the University was held was in 2022. Chief minister M.K. Stalin had distributed the certificates then. However, the 165th convocation was organised at Anna University, and this year, the convocation was held in the Senate House. “We had suggested repair works for the restrooms and for plaster work to be carried out on some portions, besides a fresh coat of paint. The PWD has declared the building unsafe for use,” a source said.

The PWD will carry out various works, including repairing the leaky roof and strengthening the internal structure of the building. Besides an electrical upgrade, the acoustics and seating arrangements will also get makeovers. PWD officials said the stone walls had developed cracks, and the stage flooring also required a redo. The work would be completed in a year.

(With inputs from R. Sujatha)