CHENNAI: Six co-working spaces, established by the previous DMK government in North Chennai, are set to open to the public soon. The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has issued tenders to outsource housekeeping for a year while retaining technical and administrative oversight.
The new facilities will be located in Purasaiwalkam, Periyar Nagar, Otteri, Pulianthope, Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar, and Kolathur. These centers, constructed before the elections, have been awaiting inauguration. Each facility will employ two sweepers, two receptionists, and two security guards. While housekeeping operations will be outsourced, the civic body will manage data operations, IT infrastructure, and electrical maintenance. Additionally, GCC has partnered with ACT for internet services.
GCC zonal officer for Thiru Vi Ka Nagar, G. Chokkalingampillai, reported that all electronic devices within these centers are under a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, thus eliminating the need for a separate maintenance contract.
“We will handle administrative maintenance internally. A private firm has been managing the initial center on Jaganathan Street in Kolathur, while the other five are now open for tender. After a year, we will pursue a comprehensive tender allowing a contractor to maintain it according to defined performance indicators,” he explained.
The estimated monthly operational cost is ₹1.5 lakh for a standard center, while the larger facility in Periyar Nagar, which houses over 25 computers, will require approximately ₹3 lakh monthly.
This co-working initiative is a signature project of former Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, aimed at providing affordable workspaces and study areas for competitive exam aspirants. As India’s first such facility, it allows users to access workstations for just ₹50 for a half-day, while students can utilize learning centers for ₹5 for every three-and-a-half-hour session.
The first center, which opened in Kolathur in late 2024, has maintained full occupancy since its launch, attracting users from all over the city. Encouraged by the positive response, the government has decided to expand this initiative to 13 locations. In addition to individual workspaces, these centers will also provide four-seater and six-seater meeting rooms for discussions.
K. Samanth, a NEET aspirant at the Kolathur center, suggested that the government should extend competitive exam coaching to all centers, as it is currently only available at Periyar Nagar.
