Master Plan panel for dispensing with the concept of SCOs/SCFs

Favours planning and execution for the entire shopping centre.

In what would bring about changes in the commercial areas of the city,the Master Plan 2031 has recommended that for future planning,the concept of SCOs/SCFs should be dispensed with. Instead,planning and execution should be undertaken for the entire shopping centre and thereafter,space be rented or leased out on the pattern of shopping malls.

The Master Plan committee has suggested that if the concept of SCO (shop-cum-office) and SCF (shop-cum-flat) is dispensed with,it would enable greater flexibility of space within the built environment. There is a need for creating community interactive spaces on the surface,and underground areas be utilised for the purpose of parking.

At present,most of the commercial areas in the city have SCOs,SCFs and booths. Numerous problems are being faced at the markets,the most prominent being that of parking. With the increase in the number of vehicles over the years,the parking spaces are shrinking. At many places,it is common to find vehicles parked along the roadsides causing traffic chaos. The proposals for construction of multi-level parking lots have also not taken off.

Another problem being experienced is that of building violations at the markets and deterioration of the architectural character of the buildings. The shopowners have covered more area than what is permitted. Several changes have been introduced that the shopkeepers term need-based changes in violation of the rules. The Master Plan committee has,therefore,recommended that the shopping centres be planned in entirety. The new shopping areas would be planned with the provision of underground parking lots.

Commercial areas are already developed in most parts of the city. It is on the Vikas Marg,in the southern part of the city,that there is a scope for development of a commercial complex. A belt of 75 m to 100 m has been earmarked for the commercial and institutional development on either side of Vikas Marg. In fact,Vikas Marg is the only vacant area left within the sectoral grid for further development.

For the existing commercial areas,it is proposed that urban renewal and streetscaping plan for each shopping centre be prepared after taking stock of the available resources and infrastructure. The shopping centres would be provided with a barrier-free environment to the differently abled.

No additional FAR

Additiona FAR (floor area ratio) and coverage to the existing commercial centres has not been recommended by the Master Plan committee. It was felt that this would put additional burden on the existing infrastructure and raise demand for augmenting parking spaces. The review of architectural controls would be done to address the problems being faced. The recommendations of the expert committee with respect to heritage preservation would be given consideration.

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