Kannur: The old Moithu Bridge, a remnant of the British era, is set to get a vibrant makeover with plans to develop it into a hub of nightlife tourism featuring a food street and leisure amenities.

The District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) is spearheading the project and has invited applications from agencies for its implementation and maintenance. The contract will be granted for 15 years, with provisions for annual renewal.

As part of the project, the bridge will be restored and beautified with decorative lighting and seating arrangements. Facilities for angling and boat races will also be created, while children’s play equipment and a badminton court will be set up in and around the renovated bridge area. A small stage for cultural performances and a 24-hour food court will be among the major highlights of this upcoming initiative.

Situated near Dharmadam along the Kannur–Thalassery route, the old Moithu Bridge — a steel structure built by the British in 1931 — gradually became unsafe over the years, leading to the construction of a new concrete bridge nearby to replace it.

Tourism Minister Mohammed Riyas had earlier visited the bridge and its surroundings as part of the preparatory steps for implementing the project.