Patna, Feb. 16: The state building construction department (BCD) has taken up the task to complete the remaining construction work of the existing conference complex at the old secretariat building.

About 20 years have passed since construction of the conference complex had started. Now, authorities plan to complete the construction and open the complex by June this year.

Located in front of Sinchai Bhawan within the old secretariat, the complex has a main hall that would accommodate about 500 people. It also has four small halls of different capacities.

The complex was constructed for conferences, conventions, exhibitions and allied events, primarily for various government departments and agencies. But the complex could never be opened because of civil and interior work remained incomplete.

The department recently started work on the roof of the building. The roof had collapsed in 2004.

The department has also released a request for proposal (RFP) to select an architect or consortium of architects to prepare a concept design for interior decoration and landscape work at the complex with an expected outlay of Rs 4.73 crore. BCD minister Damodar Raut said: “The department has issued the national RFP for selection of architect, who would be entrusted with the task of preparing the designs for the interior decoration of the complex. We intend to develop the complex as an iconic project and also to serve as an anchor venture for other projects in the region. Our plan is to open the conference complex by June. The complex would host various events, including stage shows and exhibitions.”

According to sources, the built-up area of the main hall is 5,800sqft. The four other meeting halls are spread over a total area of 5,350sqft. The indicative cost of interior designing work of the main hall, including its air-conditioning, has been fixed at Rs 1,45,000 and that of other halls at Rs 97,50,000. Besides, Rs 5 lakh would be spent on landscaping in and around the complex, including design of open spaces and horticulture.

Sources said the meeting halls would have state-of-the-art audio-visual facilities. It would have dinning facilities for around 1,000 people. The complex would be equipped with fire fighting equipment. Arrangements would be made for parking space. The board of assessors responsible for selection of architect would select three best entries, which would get Rs 50,000, Rs 40,000 and Rs 30,000 as first, second and third prizes respectively.