In a decision that will leave several cinema hall owners (who have approached the authorities for converting the theaters into multiplexes) smiling, the UT Administration has fixed the height of multiplexes at 62.3 feet. An additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 50 per cent (taking the figure to above 2) was also approved.

Most of the existing cinema halls in the city are around 55 feet in height and have an FAR between 1.5 and 2, said an official. The modalities of parking are still being worked out with the likelihood of allowing two vehicles for every 15 seats, he added.

UT Chief Architect, Sunita Monga, told Newsline: "Requests had been consistently pouring in from multiplex owners to allow them the additional height and FAR. The decision will apply to all halls that go in for conversion now. A drift from these parameters will be allowed only if there are special architecture concerns, as in the case of KC cinema."

In Industrial Area, the multiplexes and malls enjoy a lower margin - the Administration has allowed the multiplexes to go up to 100 feet in height.