No need for addl parking, theatre, museum: Panel.
The state government’s proposal to redevelop Bal Bhavan in Charni Road has been rejected by the Mumbai Heritage and Conservation Committee, for the second time.
The plan was to demolish the existing ground plus two Bal Bhavan structure and build a ground-plus-seven-storey structure with an auditorium and a museum for children.
The committee turned down the proposal saying there was no need for a children’s theatre and museum and that the additional parking space could be deleted from the proposal. It wants the government to reduce the height of the building from 32.40 metres to 14 metres. “The committee suggested to state government’s education department to use the backside of the premises to expand the auditorium,” said a committee member.
V Rangnathan, chairman of the heritage committee, told dna that they had asked the government to modify the plan according to the heritage guidelines. “It is true that the gymkhana sub precinct guidelines are only proposals. But, still we have decided to follow them to maintain the city’s heritage and beauty,” he said.
A senior state government architect said the Bal Bhavan plan was as per the heritage guidelines and Development Control rules. “The heritage committee has been rejecting our proposal on the basis of the proposed sub precinct guidelines. It is not acceptable. We will take up the matter at our senior level and soon revert to the heritage committee,” she said, requesting anonymity.
She explained that the proposed ‘gymkhana sub precinct’ in Marine Drive ends at Police Gymkhana. “Bal Bhavan is a separate plot and has nothing to do with the gymkhana sub precinct. We even requested the panel to allow us to construct up to the same height as Savitribai Phule Women’s Hostel if they want to maintain a uniform height of buildings. But that too was turned down. Now, it is difficult to accommodate all facilities in a limited space,” she said.
The panel wants them to extend the auditorium by reducing the recreation ground. “We cannot do that. We have to keep space for the fire brigade engines in case of an emergency,” she added.
Bipin Sankhe, chief architect of the state government and a member of the heritage committee, is not happy. “The panel has done injustice to the children,” he said.
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