Shillong, October 13: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday inaugurated the Meghalayan Age Pavilion at Ward’s Lake, Shillong, in the presence of Tourism Minister Timothy D. Shira, senior government officials, entrepreneurs, artisans and other stakeholders.
The Pavilion has been conceived as a platform to showcase Meghalaya’s products, enterprises and experiences and forms part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen local entrepreneurship while advancing the Creative Redevelopment of Shillong. 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 operation and management.
The inauguration marks an important step in the government’s broader vision for the Creative Redevelopment of Shillong City. With Shillong facing increasing urban pressures and limited availability of land, the government has adopted an approach of repurposing government-owned land for public use and creating infrastructure and livelihood opportunities through coordination among departments and institutions.
The Creative Redevelopment Plan for Shillong has also been appreciated by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs as an innovative model for creating public spaces in land-constrained hill cities. The initiative has secured incentives under the Challenge-Based Funding component of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment 2025-26 programme.
The Meghalayan Age Pavilion, one of the first visible outcomes of the redevelopment initiative, has been developed at a cost of ₹11.52 crore on a 16,000 sq ft site within the Deputy Commissioner’s Residence premises.
The government said the project demonstrates how strategically located government-owned land can be transformed into public destinations supporting livelihoods, entrepreneurship and community engagement.
Several other projects are at various stages of implementation under the Creative Redevelopment programme, including redevelopment of Anjalee Junction and 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 provided by the State Guest House and the Wah Umkhrah Riverfront Development.
The programme also focuses on creating organised vending spaces. Dedicated vending infrastructure is being developed at Brightwell Bungalow, Barik, Laitumkhrah, Dhankheti and other locations to provide improved facilities for vendors.
Managed by Meghalayan Age Limited, the Pavilion has been designed to showcase the state’s enterprise ecosystem, culture and creativity, covering four key areas — food and hospitality, local products, creative enterprises and contemporary products inspired by Meghalaya’s culture and heritage.
The facility includes dedicated spaces for 16 PRIME-supported entrepreneurs from sectors such as food and beverages, handloom and handicrafts, textiles, fashion and lifestyle products, wellness products and agro-based enterprises. It also houses the Meghalayan Age Shillong Store, featuring handlooms, handicrafts, lifestyle and wellness products, artisanal goods and locally made food products from across the state.
The Pavilion also features a Food and Hospitality Zone, including a cafe and restaurant showcasing Meghalaya’s culinary traditions and contemporary food culture. 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.
A Meghalaya Fruit Wine Experience Centre has also been established to showcase the state’s fruit wine industry and the work of local farmers, producers and winemakers. The centre was formally handed over to the Meghalaya Fruit Wine Makers’ Association for operation and management.
Speaking on the occasion, Sangma said the Pavilion brings together the different stories that define Meghalaya. “The Meghalayan Age Pavilion offers a true experience of Meghalaya. From our food and local products to our entrepreneurs, artisans and creative talent, it brings together the many stories that define our State,” he said. “Our vision is to create spaces that not only generate economic opportunities but also celebrate and showcase the culture, heritage and identity of Meghalaya,” the Chief Minister added.
During the programme, sanction letters were issued to the 16 PRIME-supported entrepreneurs who will operate from the Pavilion. The Chief Minister also interacted with participating entrepreneurs, while dignitaries toured the various facilities, including the Fruit Wine Experience Centre.
The event concluded with a fashion showcase by Daniel Syiem, featuring a specially curated Ryndia Collection for the Meghalayan Age Store, along with performances under the Meghalaya Grassroots Music Project (MGMP).
