The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to transform the existing Municipal Sports Complex located opposite its headquarters into a modern ‘Town Hall Gymkhana’ (THG). The redevelopment project, estimated at Rs 44.87 crore, aims to introduce upgraded sports, leisure and civic facilities while maintaining architectural harmony with the surrounding heritage precinct near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT).
According to the proposal, the civic body intends to construct a contemporary structure featuring a council hall, restaurant, rooftop viewing gallery and basement parking. The building will consist of a ground floor and five upper levels and will be developed over a total plot area of 4,719 square metres. If approvals are granted, the project is expected to be completed within 28 months.
The contract for the redevelopment is proposed to be awarded to M/s D. Thakkar Construction Pvt. Ltd., which emerged as the lowest bidder in the tender process. The company quoted Rs 29.30 crore for the construction work, which is below the BMC’s earlier project estimate of Rs 33.66 crore. The proposal regarding the contract will be placed before the Standing Committee for final approval.
Since the site lies within one of Mumbai’s most prominent heritage precincts, the building height will be capped at around 28 metres to ensure visual compatibility with nearby historic structures such as CSMT and the BMC headquarters.
One of the key attractions of the project will be a rooftop viewing gallery that visitors can access through glass capsule lifts. The rooftop will also feature a glass dome designed to blend aesthetically with the surrounding heritage architecture, offering panoramic views of the iconic district.
“It will also offer parking for approximately 60 vehicles across two basement levels. This design preserves the visual integrity of the surrounding heritage precinct while providing tourists and the public with panoramic views of the area,” said a senior civic official.
Source: The Free Press Journal
