It is famous as the city’s costliest business sector, and the Nariman Point Association (NPA) is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that the demand for the area remains unaffected.
Driven by the desire to retain the status and image of the area, the NPA, for the last six years, has been conducting the best building contest for the 26 buildings at Nariman
Point.
“The purpose is to improve the area,” said Dr Earnest John, secretary of the association.
This year the award for the best building went to Bakhtawar Commercial Complex. With glossy tinted glasses, the management spent over Rs1 crore to reduce its dependence on municipal water supply, and to improve its security system. “We have put an affluent treatment plant to recycle water for secondary usage,” said Nishith Tanna of Viztech Consultants.
According to John, the contest helps people stay on their toes. “They take special care to ensure that their area is clean and well managed.”
While judging the buildings, John said, emphasis is given on cleanliness, garbage collection, greenery, security measures, fire fighting system, staff courteousness and over all feel and look of the building.
However, all this is also to attract MNCs that prefer polished and stylish places with better services and management.
“It was especially difficult to judge the best building this year,” said B Jariwala, manager of NPA.
“Earlier, the managements didn’t really bother to spruce up the structures. But now, they got out of their way. Few buildings have even changed the flooring and the look of the lobby,” he added.
For instance, Earnest House, which is owned by John, put a new fountain in its lobby part, he said. It was adjudged as the second best building.
“Structures that earlier didn’t have a good market value are now trying to change their look. Almost all buildings in the area now have a vyer upmarket look ,” said John.
