Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Nov 15: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Standing Committee has unanimously approved a proposal to construct a six-storey Corporation Hall complex in Mumbai’s Fort area, paving the way for a larger venue for civic proceedings along with administrative and recreational facilities.
The proposed complex will come up on the Municipal Gymkhana site opposite the civic headquarters, near Azad Maidan. The proposal received unanimous support from both ruling party and opposition members. Municipal Commissioner Ashwini Bhide has also granted administrative clearance, according to reports.
The estimated project cost has been reported differently by various media outlets. While India Today and The CSR Journal put the cost at Rs 38 crore, The Indian Express reported an estimate of Rs 44.87 crore and said the Standing Committee had approved the release of the amount for appointing an external agency. The discrepancy in the figures remains unclear.
The building will have a height of 31.90 metres and a total construction area of 5,995 square metres. The main Corporation Hall auditorium will occupy the fifth and sixth floors and is designed to accommodate 332 corporators. Seating capacity has been reported to be around 330 to 350 members. A separate media gallery is also planned.
The new facility is expected to address space constraints in the existing Corporation Hall at the BMC headquarters, where the seating arrangement is reportedly congested and causes difficulties during lengthy proceedings. The proposed auditorium will have an expanded seating layout with elevated rows to improve visibility. It is being described as the civic body's first new Corporation Hall in its 133-year history.
The fourth floor will house administrative facilities, including a reception and waiting area, conference rooms, dining space and an open cafeteria. Separate offices are proposed for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition.
The ground floor will feature an entrance lobby and gallery hall, while the basement and two podium levels will be used for parking. Reports have indicated parking capacity ranging from 40 to 70 vehicles. Shopping areas are also included in the ground-floor design, according to The Indian Express.
Recreational facilities will include a badminton court on the second podium level, while the third floor will accommodate a gymnasium and indoor games facilities.
The new complex will replace the existing Municipal Gymkhana structure, which has reportedly remained unused for several years due to its dilapidated condition. The earlier redevelopment proposal was revised to include a Corporation Hall following concerns over inadequate space for civic proceedings.
Construction is expected to take around two to two-and-a-half years, subject to statutory permissions and heritage clearances required for the Fort precinct. The building's height has been restricted to 31.90 metres to remain in line with the surrounding heritage structures. The contractor will also have to obtain the necessary no-objection certificates, while the project plans include rainwater harvesting and fire-safety provisions.