GCC to Open Chennai's First Civic-Run Food Court in Adyar Within Two Months

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is set to open its first-ever civic-run food court on Indira Nagar 3rd Avenue in Adyar within the next two months.

The project is being executed at an estimated cost of ₹4.24 crore. Modelled on the food court concept adopted by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL), the new facility will accommodate around 30 shops and include dedicated parking spaces. To make way for the construction, the civic body demolished a portion of an existing, unused shopping complex owned by the corporation.

Foundation work for the food court recently commenced and is currently progressing at full pace. The corporation is constructing shops of two sizes, with smaller units measuring 110 square feet and larger units measuring 220 square feet.

To ensure convenient access, the facility will feature a common dining area for visitors along with parking spaces designed to accommodate 20 two-wheelers and 16 cars.

The GCC has opted for a revenue-sharing model to run the facility. Instead of renting out individual shops directly to brands or franchises, the corporation will lease the entire food court to a single operator. This operator will subsequently sublet the 30 stalls to various food and beverage outlets.

A senior GCC official stated that this single-operator model is expected to ensure better management of the facility and generate higher revenue for the corporation.

Local residents have expressed support for the initiative. K Hari Kumar, a resident of Adyar, noted that the area gets crowded during the evenings, with many people currently eating on the roadside. He stated that a planned food court can help organize street food vendors and offer a better experience for customers.

Based on the public response to the Adyar facility, the civic body is expected to consider establishing similar food courts in other parts of the city.