Mumbai: Nearly two months after the BJP stalled the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) administration's proposal to build a town hall opposite the civic body headquarters, work on redesigning the project has accelerated. The BJP instead pushed for a larger House at the same site to address what it termed as acute space constraints for 237 corporators.
Revised Design Plans Finalized
Senior civic officials have confirmed that revised design plans are now finalized for a new and upgraded House with a seating capacity of nearly 300. This capacity accounts for a potential future increase in the number of corporators while preserving the architectural grandeur of the existing heritage BMC headquarters. The plot measures approximately 950 square meters.
The new structure, to be built on the civic gymkhana grounds, will feature high ceilings, large column-free halls, and facades that harmonize with the heritage character of the precinct.
BJP's Vision for the Project
Ganesh Khankar, BJP group leader in the BMC, who has been closely monitoring the redesign plans, stated, "We wanted a proper civic House, not merely a town hall for public events. This project is very close to us because the existing House is struggling with space constraints."
Structural and Parking Details
According to civic officials, the proposed structure will rise up to four levels, including basement and podium parking capable of accommodating 70 to 90 vehicles. The building will stay within height restrictions applicable in the heritage precinct, not exceeding 32 meters. "Parking and podium levels will occupy the lower floors, while dedicated floors are planned for the House, offices, and gymkhana facilities," an official explained. The hall will include dedicated viewing galleries and improved circulation spaces.
Facilities and Connectivity
The project will house separate chambers for the mayor, the municipal commissioner, and additional municipal commissioners, along with civic party offices and administrative spaces. Plans include bridges and connectivity features linking different sections of the complex.
"The earlier proposal was more tourism- and public-oriented, with cafes and viewing spaces. The corporators wanted a more functional civic building with larger meeting spaces and proper office infrastructure," said a senior BMC official.
Engineering Challenges
Civic engineers noted that one of the biggest challenges has been designing a large column-free hall within a relatively small ground footprint. "The span between columns is much larger than in normal buildings. So, specialised structural design work is needed," the official added.
Sources indicate that open-air cafeteria spaces and limited public access areas may still be part of the final design, although the primary focus has shifted toward creating a full-fledged House capable of handling future expansion in the corporation's strength.
