₹40-crore push to Lahore’s food street replica plan at Urban Haat

AMRITSAR : After the first attempt to establish a replica of Lahore food street under Urban Haat project failed, the state government has now given a new push to the project under public private partnership (PPP) mode, with the plan of converting the site into amusement center besides opening famous eateries there.

Urban Haat is basically a restored and revamped heritage structure of old Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, near Summer Palace of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Amid much fanfare, the project, worth ₹11.5 crore was inaugurated by the then deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal in SADBJP regime on May 15, 2016.

However, after the 10-day inaugural of Amritsar heritage festival at the site, some famous eateries had initially shown interest in opening their businesses here, but it was packed up within few months due to scanty footfall. Lack of promotion, publicity and variety in the amusement center were also the reasons for its failure.

Meanwhile, as the Punjab government has leased out the structure under a public private partnership (PPP) to a leading company from North India, “Food Library”, it has rekindled hope for the success of the project.

Disclosing the plan to convert the Heart (Haat) of the holy city into a hub of eateries and craft shops, Amarjit Singh, marketing head of the company, said, “the plans for the project have been developed keeping in mind increased cultural and social importance, tourism and revamping of food junction. Apart from setting up Indian food and cultural brands, many of International food and shopping brands have been invited as well.”

“Maps have been drawn and agreements done with all the brands. Repair work at the Urban Haat will begin in a month and the stalls will be fixed soon after that. A total of ₹40 crore is being spent on this project. However, the all new ‘Food Library’ at Urban Haat will be thrown open to public on August 15, this year,” he said .

As per the plan of the company , a gym, badminton court, ayurvedic massage centre, banquet hall, a spa centre and other commercial centers will be opened inside the structure, besides eateries.

He added, “As it is the heart of Amritsar as well as Punjab, 50% of eateries and craft shops will display Punjabi culture and food habbits. Along with it, a hotel with 20 luxurious rooms and a banquet hall will also be set up inside the premises.”