Land hurdle cleared, science gallery to come up on Hebbal Road

The state government has finally decided to sanction land on Hebbal Road here for a science gallery proposed to be set up by an Ireland-based organisation.

In 2014, the Science Gallery International (SGI), Dublin, a non-profit organisation, had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the state government for setting up the gallery. However, the project did not take off as the location for the gallery could not be finalised.

The state Cabinet on Thursday decided to lease one acre 26 guntas on Hebbal Road to SGI for setting up the gallery on international standards through the information technology and biotechnology department.

Briefing reporters, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said the government had earlier leased this parcel of vacant land to the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI). “The Cabinet has decided to terminate the lease provided to IVRI as they wanted to build residential quarters on the land. We want the land to be put to public use and hence, the new lease. The land is estimated to cost Rs 100 crore and we are expecting the Science Gallery International to contribute a matching amount to set up the gallery. The IT department will monitor the project,” Jayachandra said.

According to the SGI website, the gallery, likely to open in 2018, proposes to engage those aged between 15 and 25 in creative science through exhibitions and events. It will provide a platform for youngsters to engage in the interface between science and arts. Modelled on the science gallery at the Trinity College, Dublin, the Bengaluru unit will be adapted to suit the needs of the city, home to several scientific and IT institutions.

The SGI already has tie-ups with the Indian Institute of Science, National Centre for Biological Science and Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology, Bengaluru.