To preserve the rich heritage and culture of Punjab and promote tourism, the Punjab Government has leased out Urban Haat, Amritsar on Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode.Urban Haat is located near to the Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh.Crystal Chowk is on the North – West corner of the site. Cooper Road Queens Road connects the site to rest of the city and is ideally suited for Urban Haat given its strategic and historical location, size, connectivity, etc. The total area available for the project is approximately 18,615.5 Sq. Mtrs.Disclosing this Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, Housing & Urban Development Minister said that the purpose behind leasing the project like Urban Haat was to ensure the retention and productive reuse of structures having historic, architectural or cultural value instead of seeing their underutilization or demolition because their original use had become functionally obsolete.He said that the project would be developed as a tourist and food junction and would reflect the State's rich history and culture besides offering Punjabi delicacies to the visitors.
He further said that the Amritsar Development Authority (ADA) has leased out Urban Haat, Amritsar to a leading Punjab based company having experience in running Food Courts, Hotels etc. The lease period of the project is of 30 years. Leasing out of the project would also result in its sustenance simultaneously revenue generation to the state exchequer.The bids were invited by ADA for refurbishment, operation and maintenance of Urban Haat in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode. In response, bids from leading companies of Northern India having substantial experience of running projects of similar kind were received. For running the project, highest bid of Rs. 81.00 lac per annum was received. Besides, the successful bidder will pay an amount of Rs. 1.00 crore as upfront fee.The successful bidder shall make available a commercial shopping arcade, banquet facility for holding social functions, parties and corporate events and an exhibition/art gallery, accommodation etc. at the site. Besides shops/stalls for handicrafts and products representing the Punjabi culture would also be set up.