Mumbai: 154-Year-Old Crawford Market's Block 3-4 To Reopen After Revamp in June

The redevelopment of 154-year-old Crawford market's block three and four is nearing its completion. Therefore, the civic body aims to throw it open by June 2024. These blocks, which are the part of second phase, will house fish and mutton vendors.

The restoration work was carried out keeping in mind the rich heritage of Crawford Market and thus the old structure of the clock tower has been restored. The first phase of work involved the restoration of the heritage market building from 2015 to 2018. The central fountain and open space, part of the original design, have been revived.

On Saturday, April 20, Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani along with redevelopment in-charge Abha Naren Lamba and other officials visited the market and inspected the ongoing work.

After the inspection, Lamba told HT that works like painting, addition of doors and windows are yet to be completed. This is a very large and comprehensive redevelopment. The biggest challenge so far has been that they didn't want to displace vendors. They had to shift salespeople to other parts of the market. That's why it's taking so long.

The new blocks will have two basement levels, where cargo can be unloaded and loaded, and fish cleaning wastewater can be treated. Also there is space for 150 car parking. It will be four levels high, with vendors interconnected throughout.

In the center formed by all the buildings of the market there will be a one-acre open space for a pedestrian plaza, where people can move and enter the market.

After the completion of the existing blocks, the redevelopment of the other two blocks, one and two, will begin, as vendors will be able to move there. Lamba said that it will be ready next year.

In 2007 Lamba was given the responsibility of redeveloping the market. At the same time, BMC gave Crawford Market to a builder to develop the buildings by providing additional FSI.

The Municipal Commissioner also reviewed the restoration work of Bhau Daji Lad Museum at Veermata Jijabai Bhosle Botanical Garden and Zoo in Byculla. They visited crocodiles and lizards in the zoo, penguins and Anna Bhau Sathe theatre.

Also known as Dr Mahatma Jotiba Phule Mandai, the market is made up of Victorian Gothic, Norman and Flemish architectural styles. The market was designed by British architect William Emerson and built in 1869 by Lockwood Kipling, father of English novelist and poet Rudyard Kipling.