The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to build its first new corporation hall in 133 years, with the Standing Committee approving a Rs 44.87 crore proposal for a six-storey structure opposite its headquarters in Fort. The project is expected to be completed within two years and will provide a larger venue for civic proceedings.
The BMC’s Chief Architect Department presented the proposed design on Thursday. Besides a 350-seat corporation hall, the building will include retail spaces, parking facilities, a badminton court, a gymnasium and offices for senior civic representatives, including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition.
The development will replace the existing civic gymkhana, which has remained unused for several years due to its poor condition. An earlier proposal to redevelop the facility as a tourist-oriented town hall gymkhana was subsequently revised after concerns emerged over inadequate seating in the existing heritage corporation hall.
Spread across 5,000 square metres, the proposed building will have a maximum height of 31.9 metres to remain compatible with nearby heritage landmarks, including Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the BMC headquarters.
The basement will accommodate 70 vehicles, while the ground floor will feature shops, a gallery, entrance lobbies and a fountain. The podium levels will house additional parking and a badminton court, while the third floor will have a gym and indoor sports facilities. Offices for civic leaders will occupy the fourth floor, with the corporation hall spread across the fifth and sixth levels. It will also include a press box and VIP seating.
Ganesh Khankar, Leader of the House, said, “At present, the seating space in the corporation hall is very congested, creating problems for corporators after a few hours. The new house will have the capacity to hold up to 350 corporators to ensure that the space will suffice even when the strength of corporators increases in future. The seating area will be planned on elevations, giving it the feel of the Vidhan Sabha, and allowing all corporators to be visible clearly.”
Standing Committee members raised concerns about parking, connectivity, heritage permissions and the revised project cost. Additional Municipal Commissioner Prajakta Lavangare Verma said parking would be restricted by heritage regulations. She added, “The building will incorporate plans for rain water harvesting and adequate fire fighting. Meanwhile, all the prerequisite No Objection Certificates will be procured by the contractor.”
Source: The Indian Express
