Mumbai’s Azad Maidan Gymkhana to Get ₹29.30 Crore Makeover Under BMC’s Town Hall Project

Mumbai: In a significant step toward upgrading civic infrastructure in South Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced plans to redevelop the nearly century-old gymkhana located at Azad Maidan into a modern public facility under the proposed Town Hall Gymkhana (THG) Project.

The redevelopment project aims to transform the existing Municipal Sports Complex, situated opposite the iconic BMC Headquarters Building, into a state-of-the-art recreational and civic space that will be accessible to the public. According to civic officials, the project is expected to be completed within 28 months from the start of construction.

The civic body has estimated the total project cost at ₹44.87 crore, including all applicable taxes. During the tender process, six companies submitted bids, with D. Thakkar Construction Pvt. Ltd. emerging as the lowest bidder, quoting ₹29.30 crore for the redevelopment work. The proposal will now be placed before the BMC’s Standing Committee for final approval.

Officials said the selected contractor has prior experience handling major infrastructure projects, including construction work carried out in collaboration with the Nagpur Metropolitan Region Development Authority for the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Convention Centre.

The new Town Hall Gymkhana will be developed on a 4,719-square-metre plot, located within one of Mumbai’s prominent heritage precincts. The surrounding area includes historic landmarks such as the BMC headquarters and the UNESCO-listed Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, making it necessary for the project to follow strict architectural and heritage guidelines.

To maintain the visual harmony of the historic surroundings, the height of the proposed structure will be restricted to approximately 28 metres.

As per the proposed design plan, the new building will consist of a ground floor and five additional levels, featuring modern amenities and public facilities. The ground floor will include a restaurant and the Municipal Council Hall, while the building will also feature glass capsule lifts providing access to a rooftop observation gallery.

The rooftop gallery is expected to become a major attraction, offering panoramic views of the surrounding heritage zone. Visitors will be able to see the BMC headquarters on one side and the historic Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus on the other.

The design also includes a glass dome viewing gallery, carefully crafted to blend with the architectural character of the surrounding heritage structures. From this elevated point, visitors will be able to enjoy expansive views of South Mumbai’s historic landscape.

Additionally, the redevelopment project will incorporate two basement levels for parking, capable of accommodating around 60 vehicles, addressing parking challenges in the busy civic district.

Civic officials believe the Town Hall Gymkhana project will not only modernise an ageing municipal facility but also create a new public recreational landmark in the heart of Mumbai while preserving the city’s rich architectural heritage.