Mumbai: After much delay and litigation, the second phase of Crawford Market's redevelopment has finally kicked off. The phase will involve demolition of an existing structure, construction of a multi-storeyed market, restoration of a heritage fountain, creation of a one-acre green space, among others. The ₹300-crore proposal will be tabled before the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) standing committee on Wednesday.
Crawford Market is not only a municipal market but also a Grade-I heritage structure. Spread over a vast area, the market consists of multiple structures that fell into ruin over the years. The corporation had planned its redevelopment almost a decade ago but controversy and litigation proved to be hurdles. The first phase of the redevelopment was completed recently with the restoration of the clock tower.
A proposal tabled before the standing committee details the second phase. The restoration will consist of demolishing an existing building and construction of a three-storeyed, air conditioned market in its place. The building will also have two basements for parking, which will ease Crawford Market’s perennial parking problem. The corporation also wants to conserve and restore its dome on the lines of the one at the BMC headquarters. It will also restore two fountains, one near the clock tower and the other at the centre, that are currently defunct. A pyau will also be restored. The corporation has secured the requisite permissions from the heritage committee and the building proposal department. An official in the market department said, “The court has allowed us to table the proposal before the standing committee. It had restricted us from issuing a work order for up to six weeks. The time frame will be over soon.”
According to Abha Narain Lambah, conservation architect and consultant for the project, they will also be able to create a one acre open space on the premises. “We have realigned the plot’s footprint and taken the original one designed by its British architect, thus leaving scope for a beautiful introverted green space. It will be a very important green space for the congested area and will be visible from J.J. flyover as well,” Ms. Lambah said.
Every vendor. Ms. Lambah said, will be rehabilitated. “They will be given a temporary work space while the construction is on, following which they can move into the new market.” The redevelopment is slated to cost around ₹300 crore and is expected to be complete by 2021. The contract has been allotted to a joint venture of M/s Kinjal and API Sheth. Ms. Lambah’s firm will overlook the project from the conservation point of view.
