August 20, 2025: Mumbai is set to host a new cultural hub, with plans approved for a cultural centre, museum and state archives at the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), one of the city’s most sought-after commercial districts. To facilitate the development, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), which oversees planning at BKC, has altered the land reservation of two prime plots.
The first plot, measuring 14,148 sq m, had been earmarked for a municipal stadium and open space. It will now be redeveloped as a cultural centre and state museum, with allied commercial use permitted. The permissible Floor Space Index (FSI) has been increased from 2 to 5. The second plot, spanning 8,291 sq m, originally reserved for a social facility, has been redesignated for the Maharashtra State Archives Bhavan, with its FSI raised from 1.5 to 5.
According to officials, the cultural centre will house an auditorium, art galleries and a research facility, intended to foster both national and international cultural exchange. The museum is proposed to be modelled on the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya and the Bhau Daji Lad Museum. Meanwhile, the archives building will be the first standalone facility of its kind in Maharashtra. State officials noted that of 17 crore historical documents, more than 10 crore are housed in Mumbai, underscoring the need for a dedicated repository for academic and research use.
However, urban planners have raised concerns over the loss of open space. Former additional chief secretary of the urban development department, T C Benjamin, cautioned that Mumbai already faces a shortage of public and recreational areas. “The change in reservation should involve public consultation. Existing open spaces must be protected, especially as flooding is worsened by excessive concretisation,” he said.
Source: Hindustan Times
