Chandigarh: After more than a year of deliberations, the Chandigarh municipal corporation (MC) has selected a private agency for the operation and management of the Rose Club in Sector 16 under the public-private partnership (PPP) model for a 10-year period. Following approval by the MC general house on Wednesday, the engineering department has initiated the process of awarding the tender.The general house approved the highest annual bid of over Rs 26 lakh (excluding GST) for running the Rose Club. Records show that two agencies had submitted bids for operating and maintaining the club. Amarjit Private Limited of Maharashtra quoted Rs 23.40 lakh annually, while Chandigarh-based VTC Estate submitted the higher bid of Rs 26.7 lakh. After financial scrutiny, the engineering department found VTC Estate’s bid to be the most suitable, following which it was placed before the general house for approval.As this is the first time the MC has outsourced the operation of a club, the selected agency will not only operate and maintain the premises but also undertake a one-time comprehensive renovation to make the club fully functional.Officials said the Rose Club, being a heritage building located in the core heritage zone of northern Chandigarh, will undergo only permitted repairs. The concessionaire will be allowed to carry out structural repairs and aesthetic refurbishments without altering the original architectural design of the building.“Under the PPP model, the selected agency will bear the entire cost of renovation and upkeep of the building and other approved structures. Facilities such as a restaurant, café, gaming zones, library, gymnasium and event spaces will be provided, while ensuring the cultural and heritage character of the Rose Club is maintained,” sources said. They added that no permanent construction will be allowed without prior approval, and only non-permanent installations will be permitted.The project has been awarded through a highest Annual Concession Fee (ACF)-based selection process. Mandatory service components will include club membership facilities, indoor and outdoor games and social events, excluding weddings. Revenue generation will be permitted through events, food and beverage services and membership models.The MC will oversee the project through a Project Monitoring Committee, with regular inspections to ensure adherence to civic, environmental and heritage norms.Box: Roles and responsibilities of MCShall hand over the club to the concessionaire on an as-is-where-is basis.May authorise any officer to keep a watch on the activities in the premises, and all other space will be available to the concessionaire for usage. The authorised officer can inspect the premises at any time for checking violations, if any.Shall assist the concessionaire in obtaining electrical and water connections for the club. Existing electrical and water connections shall be discontinued, and a fresh connection shall be applied for by the contractor itself within one month from the date of issue of LOA.Shall constitute a Project Monitoring Committee to oversee the performance of the concessionaire.
