Populous named Principal Architect for redevelopment of Kolkata's Eden Gardens

International architectural design specialist Populous has appointed Principal Architect for redevelopment of the historic Eden Gardens cricket stadium in the Indian city of Kolkata.

Following on from their previous work in India, including the world’s largest cricket venue, the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the redevelopment project will aims to improve safety and sustainability at the historic venue, increasing its 68,000 seat capacity while keeping the same footprint.

Populous will bring its expertise in working on the world’s leading cricket stadiums, such as Lord’s Cricket Ground, the MCG and the Gabba - as well as on Suncorp Stadium and Heritage Bank Stadium in Queensland, the National Olympic Speed Skating Oval in Beijing and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London - to the project.

Populous is currently engaged in two further cricket projects in India and has also joined the country’s quest for the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games by delivering the masterplan of the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Sports Enclave and being part of the overall feasibility study for Ahmedabad - which is expected to be at the centre stage of India’s Olympic aspirations.

Commenting on the project, Populous Managing Director - Asia Pacific, Paul Henry stated “we are honoured to have an opportunity to work on the revered Eden Gardens, one of the oldest cricket stadiums in India and an icon of cricket history.

“This is also a win for Queensland professional services firms as Queensland continues to build its trade and investment relationship with India.

“We can be very proud of the Queensland design talent we export to India and indeed all over the world.

“This success is another example of the trade opportunities that Queensland firms can create in the run up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and these opportunities cannot be underestimated.”

Image: Eden Gardens. Credit: Shutterstock.