CM opens Meghalayan Age Pavilion in city
Facility developed with Rs 11.52 crore on 16,000 sq. ft. site
Shillong, Oct 13: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma inaugurated the Meghalayan Age Pavilion opposite Ward’s Lake here on Tuesday.
Developed at a project cost of Rs 11.52 crore on a 16,000 sq. ft. site within the Deputy Commissioner’s Residence
premises, pavilion demonstrates how strategically located government-owned land can be transformed into vibrant public destinations that support livelihoods, entrepreneurship and
community engagement, an official statement said .
Several projects are currently at different stages of implementation under the Creative Redevelopment programme. These include the redevelopment of Anjalee Junction, redevelopment of the PWD Complex at Barik, redevelopment and ecological restoration of
Ward’s Lake, development of a public park on land made available by Raj Bhavan, construction of a Street Food Hub on land made available by the State Guest House, and the Wah Umkhrah Riverfront Development, among others.
The programme also places strong emphasis on creating organised spaces for vendors.
Conceived as a platform to showcase the best of Meghalaya’s products, enterprises and experiences, the pavilion marks an important milestone in the state government’s efforts to strengthen local
entrepreneurship while advancing the Creative Redevelopment of Shillong through vibrant public destinations.
On the occasion, the Director of Urban Affairs formally handed over the Pavilion to the Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Meghalayan Age Limited (MAL) for its operation and management.
The Creative Redevelopment Plan for Shillong has been appreciated by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, as an innovative model for creating public spaces in land-constrained hill cities. The plan has also secured incentives under the Challenge Based Funding under Special Assistance to States for capital investment 2025-26 programme.
The pavilion covers four key areas of the State’s enterprise base: food and hospitality, local products, creative
enterprises, and contemporary products inspired by Meghalaya’s culture and heritage.
Together, these offerings provide visitors with a comprehensive Meghalayan experience under one roof:
• PRIME-supported Enterprises – Sixteen PRIME-supported entrepreneurs representing sectors such as food and beverages, handlooms and handicrafts, textiles, fashion and lifestyle products, wellness products, agro-based enterprises and other emerging
Meghalaya-based businesses.• Meghalayan Age Shillong Store – A curated retail space featuring products from across state, including handlooms, handicrafts, lifestyle products, wellness products, artisanal products and locally made food products.
• Food and Hospitality Zone – A café and restaurant celebrating Meghalaya’s culinary traditions and contemporary food culture.
During the programme, the restaurant facility was formally handed over to Adonijah Lyngdoh, winner of the Hills on a Plate Culinary Competition, who will operate the restaurant and kitchen.
• Meghalaya Fruit Wine Experience Centre – A dedicated space showcasing Meghalaya’s fruit wine industry, highlighting the work of local farmers, producers and wine makers. The
Centre was formally handed over to the Meghalaya Fruit Wine Makers’ Association.
The programme included the issuance of sanction letters to sixteen PRIME-supported entrepreneurs who will operate from the pavilion, followed by interactions between the chief minister and participating entrepreneurs.
Dignitaries also toured various facilities within the pavilion, including the Meghalaya Fruit Wine Experience Centre. The event concluded with a fashion show by Daniel Syiem featuring a specially curated Ryndia collection for the
Meghalayan Age Store and performances under the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP), celebrating Meghalaya’s vibrant creative, cultural and entrepreneurial ecosystem
