Tue Oct 07 14:22:46 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

The Centenary Auditorium of the University of Madras, a historic structure closed for several years due to disrepair, is undergoing a significant ₹26.33 crore renovation. The Public Works Department (PWD) aims to complete the project by early next year, restoring the auditorium to its original grandeur while equipping it with modern facilities and a seating capacity of 2,400. The project is 35% complete, and involves repairing the roof, walls, flooring, and upgrading the stage.

**News Article:**

**Historic Centenary Auditorium at University of Madras Set for Grand Reopening After Extensive Restoration**

**CHENNAI, October 7, 2025** – The iconic Centenary Auditorium at the University of Madras is poised to reopen its doors in early 2026 after a multi-crore renovation project spearheaded by the Public Works Department (PWD). The auditorium, a landmark on the university’s Chepauk campus, has been closed for several years due to deterioration.

The ₹26.33 crore restoration project, executed by the PWD’s Building Centre and Conservation Division, aims to revitalize the historic structure. Inaugurated in October 1965 by the then Governor of Madras, Sir Jaya Chamaraja Udaiyar Bahadur, the auditorium has hosted numerous swearing-in ceremonies, academic events, and government functions.

“We aim to complete the renovation project by January next year, ahead of the deadline,” stated PWD officials. “The work will help restore the structure to its original grandeur while equipping it with modern facilities.”

The project, which is currently 35% complete, involves extensive repairs to the auditorium’s leaky roof, damaged walls, and worn flooring. The renovation also includes replacing damaged tiles, fixing teak windows and doors, upgrading the stage facilities, and creating seating for 2,400 people.

The 17.50-meter-tall structure, known for its striking facade featuring natural white-blended stones, had fallen into disrepair due to aging and was declared unsafe for use. While minor repairs were undertaken in the past, this marks the first major facelift for the Centenary Auditorium in several decades.

Public Works Minister E.V. Velu recently held discussions with PWD officials to review the progress of the renovation. The reopening of the Centenary Auditorium is eagerly anticipated by the university community and the city, promising to restore a vital venue for academic, cultural, and governmental events.

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