Latest news with #GCDA
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Historic Catford venue set to reopen as community hub
A historic Catford venue is set to reopen as a community hub this autumn, it has been revealed. The former Catford Constitutional Club and original farmhouse will be unveiled as The Catford House after extensive restoration. This initiative is spearheaded by the Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency (GCDA). The council began working with conservation experts in 2021 to uncover the building's past as a farmhouse, clubhouse, and pub. The venue will now be a space for the community to enjoy. The restoration effort will see the pub and garden revived, alongside a community kitchen and smaller, flexible spaces. Catford's oldest building, the Georgian Hall, will be opened to the public for the first time. The GCDA, a not-for-profit organisation with more than 40 years' experience, will operate the venue. Visualisation showing the proposed Georgian Hall (Image: Hayatsu Architects) Having worked in the borough for the last 15 years, GCDA have found a permanent home in the heart of Catford. Alongside drinking, the group plan to host casual social gatherings, food pop-ups, exercise classes, exhibitions, and performances at the venue. James-J Walsh, councillor responsible for inclusive regeneration and planning, and councillor for Rushey Green ward, added: "The Catford House is a vibrant example of the Council's ambitions for Catford brought to life. "This is regeneration with a clear social purpose, bringing together conservation, culture and community to transform Catford's almost 300-year-old building into a space shaped by, and for, local people." Residents and groups in the area are encouraged to propose event ideas to the GCDA. The GCDA is a London Living Wage employer and aims to support the local economy by creating jobs and sourcing from local suppliers. Partnerships with Portobello Brewery and others will help bring their vision for The Catford House to life. The restoration project is part of the Catford Town Centre Framework, shaped by thousands of residents and adopted by the council in 2021. The £1.8 million refurbishment was supported by the Mayor of London's Good Growth Fund. Earlier this year, Thomas Lane Yard, a significant housing and mixed-use regeneration scheme, was unanimously approved by the Council. This will see an underused carpark transformed to provide more than100 new affordable homes, green public spaces, and commercial and affordable workspace. Brenda Dacres OBE, Mayor of Lewisham, said: "This marks the start of an exciting chapter for Catford. "This new multipurpose community venue will breathe life into this area as well as creating new local jobs, opportunities for Lewisham businesses and a boost to our cultural and creative scene." Claire Pritchard, CEO of the GCDA, added: "GCDA has been working in Lewisham for nearly fifteen years and has always wanted a base there, a place to grow roots and connect with the community. "Our search ended when we found the former Catford Constitutional Club, a building that holds a special place in the hearts of many. "Imagine a place where the warmth of a classic British pub meets the soul of the community. "We're not just pouring pints, we're creating a space where neighbours become friends, local musicians and artists find their voice, and fresh, locally sourced food fuels meaningful conversations."
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Ambedkar Sports City moves a step closer to reality, tender process begins
Kochi: Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) will soon issue a tender inviting project management consultancy, which is first step towards beginning construction of Ambedkar Sports City in the city. Executive committee of the authority, held recently, gave green signal to issue the tender. The authority plans to implement the project using corporate social responsibility funds. Total estimated cost of the project is Rs 90 crore. The project is being implemented after demolishing the existing Ambedkar Stadium. The stadium, located in the city centre, was in a dilapidated condition. It was around two years ago that the executive committee of GCDA granted approval for demolition of the existing stadium to set up a sports city. Design of the new stadium is almost finalized. GCDA completed demolition of galleries of the existing stadium using Rs 2 crore allotted by 2024-25 state budget. "We are considering appointing a govt-accredited agency like Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society for the construction works. Discussions are ongoing," said a source. A football stadium will be constructed along with other sports facilities. Adequate lighting and toilet facilities will be ensured. There will be an exclusive parking area for the new stadium. Before starting the work, GCDA has to shift 72 shops that are functioning in the old stadium building. A GCDA official said the project to rehabilitate vendors will be completed soon.
New Indian Express
17-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Kochi's scenic Thanneerchal Park to buzz back to life soon
The persistent calls from residents for the renovation of the once-vibrant Thanneerchal Park, which has been in a dilapidated state, have finally bore fruit. A much-awaited revival project will see GCDA contributing an additional Rs 1 crore to augment the Rs 75 lakh set aside by the Tripunithura municipality under the Central AMRUT scheme to take the park at Irumpanam to its former glory. Earlier, TNIE had highlighted the condition of the park, which was a popular hangout for families and especially children, who could explore a range of entertainment options, from air-balloon bounces and toy train rides to trampolining and pedal boating. Located on 2.5 acres by the scenic lake along Refinery Road, the park, set up by the municipality at a cost of Rs 4.5 crore a decade ago, had fallen into a mess of disrepair. Once a hub of joy and recreation, much of its equipment here now lies broken or rusting. A municipality official confirms that GCDA has offered Rs 1 crore to carry out the renovation project using its team of experienced personnel. 'This substantial funding promises a complete transformation of the park,' the official adds. 'The renovation plans are extensive and designed to cater to diverse community needs. All existing play equipment will be replaced with new installations, a dedicated grass walkway will be established, and a new fountain will add to the aesthetic appeal.'
New Indian Express
15-06-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
‘Social resistance needed to combat fascism' : CPM general secretary M A Baby
KOCHI: Launching a scathing attack on the RSS and the BJP-led government at the Centre, CPM general secretary M A Baby on Saturday, said that a parallel social resistance alongside direct political struggles is needed to combat fascism. The fight must be carried forward not only through political alliances, but also through activities like arts, literature, drama, and even songs of artists like Rapper Vedan, he said, stressing that cultural expressions are vital to confronting fascist forces and regimes. Baby was speaking after releasing the Malayalam translation of the book 'Being Muslim in Hindu India - A Critical View' by Ziya Us Salam. 'The RSS is spreading false propaganda of cultural nationalism to infiltrate and influence public minds. Even their leader, Madhav Golwalkar, once admitted this in an interview. Those who oppose the RSS and fascism, and those who uphold secular ideals, must come together to engage in efforts of detoxification, particularly through struggles rooted in socio-cultural activities,' said Baby. He also emphasised the need to prevent India from heading toward danger, echoing the concern once expressed by writer Khushwant Singh, who had warned that 'India is in danger.' 'There is a growing alienation of a particular religion, which carries significance both within India and internationally.' He added that Ziya Us Salam's book will help readers understand the realities unfolding around them in a better way. The event was attended by GCDA chairman K Chandran Pillai, Professor M K Sanoo and others.
The Hindu
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
GCDA may become first local body to serve as appropriate authority for land pooling for a major project
Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) will be the first local body to act as an appropriate authority to make available land for a major project in the State under the land pooling rules, if and when it goes ahead with land pooling for the third phase expansion of the Infopark Kochi. The State Government order dated October 18, 2024, designated the GCDA as the appropriate authority for the proposed land pooling under Section 56 of the Kerala Town and Country Planning (Amendment) Act, into which land pooling rules were incorporated through an extraordinary government gazette dated March 16, 2024. 'Though we have undertaken projects like Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road, which can be construed as executed through land pooling, this is the first time a local body is being designated as the appropriate authority under the land pooling rules,' said GCDA sources. Out of the 300 acres which the GCDA proposes to make available, 100 acres would be made available to Infopark Kochi, while the remaining 200 acres would be enhanced in value through infrastructure, and a portion of it would be returned to landowners, which is at the heart of the concept of land pooling. According to the Kerala Land Pooling Rules, 30% of the land would be used for commercial, industrial, and housing purposes, and the remaining land would be returned to landowners. The municipal corporation, municipal council, town panchayat, or village panchayat may, through a resolution, decide to prepare a land pooling scheme in respect of any part of the area within its jurisdiction. Once not less than 75% of landowners of the proposed land pooling scheme area give their consent, the appropriate authority may issue the final notification for the drafting of the scheme. However, it is mandatory that the landowners who decline to give their consent should also be included in the scheme. Even if the consent is not forthcoming, the appropriate authority may, with the approval of the government, take an appropriate decision with regard to the scheme. Landowners with plots not less than five hectares in municipal corporations, seven hectares in municipalities, and 10 hectares in panchayats can apply to the appropriate authority for inclusion of their plots in a land pooling scheme in their areas.
