Bengaluru: Karnataka Minister M B Patil on Saturday announced the development of a 65-acre tree park at Baiyappanahalli, with an estimated cost of Rs 37.75 crore. The first phase of the park is expected to open to the public in March.

The park will occupy part of the 105-acre site that previously belonged to the state-owned New Government Electrical Factory (NGEF), the minister said.

Patil, who visited the NGEF premises to inspect ongoing work along with senior officials from various departments, detailed the phased development plan.

“The tree park is being developed in four phases—phase 1, 1A, 1B, and phase 2—at a total estimated cost of Rs 37.75 crore,” he said. Works under phase 1A are expected to be completed within six months. The site currently houses around 8,500 trees of various species, with scientific names displayed. The minister emphasised, “Not a single tree would be felled.” A scientific assessment will guide decisions regarding the existing eucalyptus trees.

Patil added that Rs 11.50 crore required for phase 1 works has already been released. The administrative office buildings and industrial sheds, assessed by scientists from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), are structurally sound and will be refurbished and repurposed.

“A multi-level parking facility capable of accommodating 5,000-7,000 vehicles will be constructed on an additional 4.5 acres of factory-owned land outside the compound,” he said.

He also announced plans for two convention centres, each with a seating capacity of at least 15,000, to be developed in the existing electric motor sheds for meetings, conferences, seminars, and other events.

“In addition, an incubation centre for startups, named ‘Innoverse’, will be established by the government-run KITS, providing a dedicated workspace for entrepreneurs. The IT-BT Department will also develop a Rs 100-crore ‘Technology Innovation Museum’ at the site,” Patil said.

The tree park will also feature a world-class sculpture park and an NGEF museum. Clarifying that no shopping mall would be constructed on the premises, the minister added, “A well-equipped amphitheatre will host a variety of activities.”

Highlighting the project’s benefits for East Bengaluru residents, he said it could emerge as a green space surpassing Cubbon Park and Lalbagh.

“Only a small portion of land required for the entrance gate falls under Namma Metro's jurisdiction, and discussions are underway to secure it,” Patil said.

“I have initiated a Vrikshathon (tree plantation drive) in my hometown of Vijayapura, intending to plant 10 crore saplings. Not a single tree at the NGEF site will be cut; they will be carefully preserved. My goal is to develop this into an international destination,” he added.

Listing key attractions, Patil said phase 1 will include an entrance plaza, elevated walkways, cycling tracks, water cascades, fountains, a food court, children’s play area, pet-friendly zones, toilets, and other infrastructure.

Phase 1B, costing Rs 26.23 crore, will include additional elevated walkways, an observation tower, renovation of the administrative block, and an open amphitheatre.

Under phase 2, the factory sheds will be redeveloped into a sports hub, arts and culture centre, community hall, and food court through a public-private partnership, the minister added.