The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to redevelop the nearly century-old employees’ gymkhana at Azad Maidan into a public space that will be open to visitors. The project will be completed within 28 months from the start of construction.
The project will convert the existing Municipal Sports Complex located opposite the BMC headquarters into a modern “Town Hall Gymkhana” (THG) with improved sports and recreation facilities.
The civic body estimated the total project cost at INR 44.87 crore, including all taxes. Six companies participated in the tender process. M/s D. Thakkar Construction Pvt. Ltd. emerged as the lowest bidder in the tender process, with a bid of INR 29.30 crore. The proposal will be placed before the Standing Committee for approval.
The company has previous experience in large infrastructure projects. It has worked with the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority to build the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Convention Centre.
The Town Hall Gymkhana will be developed on a plot measuring 4,719 square metres. The site lies within one of Mumbai’s important heritage precincts. The area around the BMC headquarters and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus forms part of this heritage zone.
Because of this, the design of the new structure will follow strict guidelines. The height of the building will be limited to about 28 metres. This restriction is intended to maintain visual harmony with the surrounding historic structures.
According to the proposed design, the building will have a ground floor and fi
ve additional levels. The ground level will include a restaurant and the Municipal Council Hall. The design also includes glass capsule lifts. These lifts will allow visitors to reach a rooftop observation gallery.
The rooftop gallery will give visitors a close view of nearby historic buildings. From the top level, visitors will be able to see the BMC headquarters on one side and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on the other side. The architectural design of the new structure will match the historic character of the surrounding area.
The rooftop will also feature a glass dome viewing gallery. The dome will be designed to blend with the heritage structures nearby. From this dome, visitors will be able to see wide views of the surrounding precinct. The project will also include parking facilities. Two basement levels will be constructed under the building, for parking space for around sixty cars.
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