Kochi: The city corporation is planning to give a new look to the Ernakulam town hall, one of the major landmarks in the city. Using the Plan funds, the Mattancherry townhall will also be modernised.

The renovation has been included under the Plan funds as a multiyear project in 2012 – 2013 and 2013- 2014. A total of `1.5 cr has been allocated for the renovation, `75 lakhs each for Ernakulam and Mattancherry townhalls.

The corporation’s earlier plans to renovate the townhalls could not materialise due to paucity of funds. Though the corporation was expecting funds from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for handing over eight cents of land to it for metro rail works, it could not materialise as the civic body is not in possession of ownership documents.

“We’ve already shortlisted two or three designs for the renovation and the final design will be decided based on the funds available. The Ernakulam town hall is in a dilapidated condition and badly needs repairing,” said Soumini Jain, works committee chairperson.

The building which hosted several historical events was opened in 1960 and the new EMS Memorial Hall, attached to it was opened in 2001.

“Though there are plans to give a new look to the Ernakulam townhall building, no major change will be made to the structure as it has heritage value and historical importance,” she said.

Meanwhile, a section of civic experts are apprehensive over the viability of using the town hall after renovation as the metro construction works might create access and parking problems.