Four heritage sites in Lucknow to develop as tourist destinations

Lucknow, Sep 22 :  The Uttar Pradesh government plans to develop at least four heritage sites of Lucknow into destination tourism hotspot as part of ‘tourism renaissance plan’ of state government.

For this, the state tourism department has invited bidders for its Heritage Property Restoration Initiative on October 4.

In August this year, the department had unveiled the initiative under which heritage sites would be converted into five-star hotels.

In line with that, the department announced to hold a pre-bid event on October 4.

The state tourism minister Jaiveer Singh said: “Our aim is to breathe new life into these historic properties and showcase the cultural heritage of UP to the world.By welcoming private partners, we hope to create a win-win situation, where these heritage sites are restored to their former glory and tourism flourishes.

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The initiative will invite proposals for reuse of nine heritage properties on PPP basis.

Of these nine sites, at least four are in Lucknow.

These include Chhatar Manzil, Kothi Gulistan-Eram, Kothi Darshan Vilas and Kothi Roshan-Ud-Daula.

Besides, Shukla Talab and Tikait Rai Baradari in Kanpur, Barua Sagar Fort in Jhansi, Chunar Fort in Mirzapur and Barsana Jal Mahal in Mathura are also on the list.

According to the department, the plan includes creation of hotels and resorts, museums, shilpgram, exhibition centres, restaurants and banquets, cultural centres, wedding destinations and more.

Officials said the department has not reserved any upfront premium from the concessionaire.

They also stressed that the selection process will hinge on quality and cost-based selection (QCBS) methodology.

These properties will be offered on a long-term lease for 30 years, extendable twice for an additional 30-year period to a maximum of 90 years.

“The bid parameter shall be the annual concession fee which the concessionaire will be responsible for paying.Besides, the minimum reserve price for annual concession fee has been kept at Rs 1 lakh.

Also, the bidder will be required to share 1 per cent of the gross revenue from the property.A rigorous selection process will be employed, with 80 per cent weightage given to the technical proposal and 20 per cent to the financial one,” said a senior official.

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