The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to develop a town hall opposite its headquarters, where a gymkhana currently exists. The civic body’s gymkhana will be shifted to Mahalaxmi to pave way for the town hall, which will be utilised for citizen-government interaction, public meetings, and forums
The structure will also house a rooftop cafeteria for visitors.
Mumbai will get a new town hall after 192 years.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to develop a town hall opposite its headquarters, where a gymkhana currently exists.
The civic body’s gymkhana will be shifted to Mahalaxmi to pave way for the town hall, which will be utilised for citizen-government interaction, public meetings, and forums.
The decision is a part of the BMC’s plan to redevelop the ground-plus-two-storey building housing the gymkhana, which has remained shut for the past 10 years. The Mumbai civic corporation will spend around Rs 40 crore on the redevelopment of the structure.
“The heritage-rich precinct will soon boast a modern facility that blends civic function, tourism appeal, and architectural beauty,’ said an official, adding that the town hall will be used as an exclusive space for citizen-government interaction, public meetings, and forums.
There will be a glass dome and viewing gallery, which will provide panoramic views of Mumbai's iconic heritage buildings, such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and BMC headquarters.
Design of Mumbai's new town hall will be curated to match look of heritage precint
The structure will also house a rooftop cafeteria for locals and tourists alike.
Recently, civic chief Bhushan Gagrani had visited the BMC gymkhana. Following his visit, he asked officials to prepare a plan for the redevelopment of the building, which will be used for the public. Accordingly, the BMC prepared a plan for the redevelopment of the structure. “The new building will comprise five storeys and two levels of basement parking for 60 cars. The height of the structure will be aligned with the surrounding heritage buildings to ensure architectural harmony and for preserving the visibility and aesthetic value of the nearby historic sites. The building’s design and exterior will be carefully curated to match the overall look and feel of the heritage precinct,” the official added.
The first town hall of the city was constructed in 1833, which is currently known as the Asiatic Library located at Fort.
Gagrani's said that the existing sports facilities at the gymkhana are inadequate and underutilised. Frequent repairs are needed, and the location is not convenient for BMC employees to use the gymkhana and the sports facilities there.
“Hence, alongside the redevelopment of the gymkhana’s current site into a town hall, the BMC has proposed building a larger, modern sports complex for its employees at Tulsiwadi near Mahalaxmi Racecourse. The area is well-connected by the suburban railway and the Mumbai Coastal Road, ensuring ease of access for employees from all departments. The proposed new sports complex will include badminton courts, table tennis, a state-of-the-art gym, and a swimming pool to offer a wide range of modern fitness amenities for civic employees,” said a BMC official.
Meanwhile, the members of the gymkhana decided to meet on Thursday to discuss the BMC decision.
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