7,80,000 sq ft book mall 'Varna Parichay' in Kolkata

Kolkata, Feb 5: With the book fair being pushed to the fringes of the city, there is good news for the book lovers. Kolkata will have a book mall, 'Varna Parichay', first of its kind, spread over 7,80,000 sqft.

Apart from books, the seven-storey mall would also have the first auction space for rare books, manuscripts and a host of other features never seen before in the country under one roof.

The mall has been designed by Hafeez Contractor and would be the reconstruction of the College Street market.

Bengal Shelter Housing Development Ltd, a 50:50 joint venture between the state and Shelter Housing, Managing Director Samar Nag said the demolition of the 90-year-old municipal market has already started.

Company sources mentioned that apart from a modern book mall, an agency would be asked to run an auction centre, where buyers and sellers can interact regularly. The five-floor mall would also have a coffee shop, library and a multi-level car parking facility.

Bengal Shelter Housing Development Ltd would begin construction work by April end. The project would be completed within 36 months after construction starts.The mall has already attracted prospective book sellers from UK and other countries including Landmark.

UNI