Mumbai to get a new town hall after 192 years

Mumbai will get a new town hall after 192 yearsThe Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC has decided to develop a town hall opposite its headquarters where a gymkhana currently existsThe civic bodyrsquos gymkhana will be shifted to Mahalaxmi to pave way for the town hall which will be utilised for citizengovernment interaction public meetings and forumsThe decision is a part of the BMCrsquos plan to redevelop the groundplustwostorey building housing the gymkhana which has remained shut for the past 10 years The Mumbai civic corporation will spend around Rs 40 crore on the redevelopment of the structureldquoThe heritagerich precinct will soon boast a modern facility that blends civic function tourism appeal and architectural beautyrsquo said an official adding that the town hall will be used as an exclusive space for citizengovernment interaction public meetings and forumsThere will be a glass dome and viewing gallery which will provide panoramic views of Mumbais iconic heritage buildings such as the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus CSMT and BMC headquartersDesign of Mumbais new town hall will be curated to match look of heritage precintThe structure will also house a rooftop cafeteria for locals and tourists alikeRecently civic chief Bhushan Gagrani had visited the BMC gymkhana Following his visit he asked officials to prepare a plan for the redevelopment of the building which will be used for the public Accordingly the BMC prepared a plan for the redevelopment of the structure ldquoThe new building will comprise five storeys and two levels of basement parking for 60 cars The height of the structure will be aligned with the surrounding heritage buildings to ensure architectural harmony and for preserving the visibility and aesthetic value of the nearby historic sites The buildingrsquos design and exterior will be carefully curated to match the overall look and feel of the heritage precinctrdquo the official addedThe first town hall of the city was constructed in 1833 which is currently known as the Asiatic Library located at FortGagranis said that the existing sports facilities at the gymkhana are inadequate and underutilised Frequent repairs are needed and the location is not convenient for BMC employees to use the gymkhana and the sports facilities thereldquoHence alongside the redevelopment of the gymkhanarsquos current site into a town hall the BMC has proposed building a larger modern sports complex for its employees at Tulsiwadi near Mahalaxmi Racecourse The area is wellconnected by the suburban railway and the Mumbai Coastal Road ensuring ease of access for employees from all departments The proposed new sports complex will include badminton courts table tennis a stateoftheart gym and a swimming pool to offer a wide range of modern fitness amenities for civic employeesrdquo said a BMC officialMeanwhile the members of the gymkhana decided to meet on Thursday to discuss the BMC decisionatOptionskeyd0ddb8ef8f1a62a8cdd22fac27fc5ea7formatiframeheight90width728params