July 1, 2025: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has approved a layout proposal submitted by the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) for the construction of a new clubhouse and banquet hall within the Mahalaxmi Racecourse premises. The approval follows the lease agreement signed in August 2024, allowing RWITC to utilise 93 acres of the racecourse land for horse racing and associated activities.
The proposed development, spread over 32 acres, is designated for Racecourse Club/Gymkhana use and includes two main structures: a multi-storey clubhouse and a single-level banquet hall. The clubhouse will stand 32 metres tall, comprising two basement levels for parking, a ground floor and upper levels dedicated to sports, recreation, and hospitality. It will house 177 lodging rooms, squash and badminton courts, padel courts, restaurants, a mini theatre, a library, a fitness centre, children’s play areas, and a swimming pool.
The plan allows a Floor Space Index (FSI) of 0.3 on the net buildable area, with a total built-up area of 34,455 square metres—17,864 square metres of existing construction to be retained and 16,591 square metres proposed anew.
While BMC has granted layout and subdivision approval, further statutory clearances, including from the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC), are required before construction can commence.
Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani clarified that the project would not impact the remaining 120 acres of open space, which will remain accessible and green. The approval followed extensive scrutiny, revisions, and document resubmissions between December 2024 and June 2025, led by architect Ameet G Pawar.
The proposal includes a 25% allocation for open spaces across various parts of the site. Meanwhile, BMC’s plan for developing a public park on the remaining racecourse land is still pending finalisation.
Source: The Times Of India
