Jahangir Mill to be reborn as plaza

Other defunct textile mills would also be redeveloped

One of the oldest textile mills in the city, Jahangir Textile Mill, is going to become the Indian Textile Plaza "" the first of its kind in the state.

The chimney of the mill will remain as a heritage structure while rest will be demolished and will be converted to textile plaza within a year at the cost of Rs 30 crore.

The plan for the Indian Textile Plaza Ahmedabad (ITPA) was designed by K B Jain for National Textile Corporation (NTC).

Considering the location of the property, the nature of its textile background, need for textile industry's rejuvenation and expectations of the area, a major textile plaza was proposed here, informed sources.

But the project was so long on paper as the state government had not approved the project though it was backed by the ministry of textiles.

The 10-acre plot in Jahangir Textile Mill complex would be developed into a meeting place for textile related activities and showcase Indian textiles.

It would attract people for other activities too.

The complex would include a handloom and handicrafts mall, exhibition centre, convention and meeting halls, theatre complex, textile museum and a food court.

There would be parking for 500 cars and two-wheelers.

"In this plaza there will be work space for in-house craftsmen, display area for crafts and handlooms, international buyer and sellers' market area, seminar rooms, hall with a movie screen for presentations and performances, open air amphitheatre for smaller gatherings, stalls selling food with seating area and many more," he explained.

"The plaza is designed in two levels. The lower level will provide parking facility and the raised platform to house the functions which are articulated along with pathway highlighted by sub plazas," he added.

According to him, students would have a workshop area, library and design and training centre.

This would include class room, training hall, placement cell, administration and storage and services.

NTC had around 10 mills across the state of which two would be modernised, one would be converted to an apparel park and the Jahangir Textile Mill would become a textile plaza, informed sources.

The other six mills would be reused for other purposes.

Talking about the textile plaza, he said as the mill was located in the heart of the city, it had the potential of becoming a major centre for a range of urban activities, particularly those related to textiles and fashion.

"This should, actually be an 'International Centre for Textile" he added.

He said the plaza was expected to act as bridge between past, present and the future in Ahmedabad.

"The moment state government shows green signal, NTC will start searching private players seeking opportunities, growth and exposure in textile industry," he claimed.