Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly Arvind Bellad on Wednesday said that renovation work of Dr. Mallikarjun Mansur Kala Bhavan in Dharwad would be completed and made available for public use soon.

Speaking to press persons after inspecting the ongoing renovation works at the kala bhavan, Mr. Bellad said that the renovation was being undertaken at a cost of ₹1.50 crore from the MLA’s grant and ₹1 crore from the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, he said, adding that the facility would be opened for public use immediately after work completion.

He said that the renovated kala bhavan would be available for music, theatre and other cultural activities.

“The renovation will be carried out in accordance with the requirements of artists and writers. Their views will be taken into consideration before taking a final decision on the facilities to be provided,” he said.

Mr. Bellad also said that the Kadapa Maidan in front of the kala bhavan was being renovated for public use. The ground, located in the heart of the city, had hosted several historical meetings and programmes attended by prominent personalities from Karnataka and across the country. It would be restored and made available for public activities, he said.

Municipal councillor Suresh Bedre, along with several leaders and officials, was present during the inspection.

Earlier, Mr. Bellad took part in a meeting with the coordinators of “Save Kala Bhavan and Kadapa Maidan Committee” at Karnatak Vidyavardhak Sangha and took their suggestions.

Vocalist Pt. Venkatesh Kumar, scholar Viranna Rajur, general secretary of Sangha Shankar Halagatti and several other personalities spoke on the occasion, and urged him to ensure that auditorium and the ground were made available for public use at the earliest.