Page 15 - 19BAR0003

3. Site

3.1. Chennai Central Stretch
The Central Square, located in Chennai, is a significant city square and a major intersection.

Ongoing development efforts encompass the vicinity of notable landmarks such as the Ripon
Building, Victoria Public Hall, Moore Market Complex, Chennai Central Railway Station,
the Southern Railway Headquarters, and the Government General Hospital, collectively

forming the Central Square project. The anticipated total site area for this development is
approximately 37,800 square meters (7.8 acres).

Thesis Report V-SPARC VIT
The major aim for the redevelopment is creating a large interchange hub within a half-
kilometer. This visionary project seeks to redefine urban connectivity by offering users a

variety of transport options, with a keen focus on optimizing pedestrian and vehicular
movement, ultimately enhancing walkability through an intricate network of subways beneath

the Grand Southern Trunk Road.

3.2. The Importance of the site
The Chennai central had been on of the largest stations of India acting as a crucial
transportation hub connecting with the rest of Tamil Nadu and other states. The Chennai

central stretch is considered as one of the oldest developed regions with a rich history of more
than 300 years. Chennai also grew exponentially from this area with George Town as the old
central business district. The Buckingham canal also passes in this area and merges with the

Coovam river thus dividing the area into many zones. The place is home to many heritage
buildings, institutions and dense resident area. Over the years this area got densely packed

leaving no gaps for any new development. Thus, an open land at the junction of various transit
at the heart of Chennai have an immense value.

15