Bhendi Bazaar to retain ‘old world’ charm

Being Mumbai’s biggest redevelopment project, South Mumbai’s Bhendi Bazaar is much talked about. There were fears that the charm of the buildings, that gives a feeling of the older Mumbai, will be gone once the new buildings come up. This fear can take a back seat for now, as the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust has decided that it will retain the old look.The buildings that are going to come up in Bhendi Bazaar post redevelopment will showcase the Fatemi architecture. This includes dome, arches, and carved lattice work.

According to an official from SBUT, the Fatemi architecture originated from Cairo in Egypt and has travelled from there to India. 

“The state-of-the-art buildings in Bhendi Bazaar will have a marvellous blend of Fatemi architecture styling with modern and functional design features. We believe the usage of arches, jallis and lattice work in buildings will give a distinct identity to the neighbourhood,” said spokesperson of the trust.

Currently, the buildings in Bhendi Bazaar has shops on the lower floors while the upper floors are used as residential units. In the new Bhendi Bazaar, lower floors of most towers will continue to host businesses but residents won’t be disturbed. Each tower will have dedicated entrance and elevators only for its respective residents. The Bhendi Bazaar cluster is spread over 16.5 acres, so it was sub-divided into nine clusters. Bhendi Bazaar was developed in chawl fashion. 

FATEMI ARCHITECTURE

Buildings that come up in Bhendi Bazaar post redevelopment will showcase the Fatemi architecture. This includes dome, arches, and carved lattice work