Roshanara Club reopens with addition of 600 lifetime members

New Delhi: More than two and a half years after Delhi Development Authority (DDA) officially took possession of the century-old Roshanara Club, its doors finally reopened to the public on Tuesday with the induction of 637 lifetime members.The authority announced the completion of the process and released the final list of members, comprising 339 under the non-govt and 298 under the govt categories.The club remained closed to public membership for several years. Calling it an opportunity for sports lovers and heritage enthusiasts, officials said the members would have access to exclusive facilities, including the recently launched clubhouse offering food and beverage services, a card room and a gymnasium. All facilities will be available to members and their dependants while up to six guests will be allowed per member.Officials said the response to the membership drive would be reviewed following which a decision might be taken on reopening it.DDA took over the property following a court order upholding the eviction of the earlier management and carried out a comprehensive revamp under the supervision of lieutenant governor VK Saxena to restore the club's heritage character while upgrading its infrastructure.Officials listed indoor amenities such as a reception, main lounge, card and billiards rooms, children's play area, dining hall, banquet space, library, swimming pool with changing rooms, gym and fitness centre, squash board and badminton hall, as well as yoga, sauna and steam areas.Outdoor facilities include grass, clay and synthetic lawn tennis courts, cricket grounds and practice pitches, mini football and basketball zones, and a dedicated jogger's park. The club holds a unique legacy as the birthplace of Board of Control for Cricket in India.During the renovation, European-style doors and windows, Mangalore-tiled roofs and intricate wooden trusses were restored, while antique chandeliers and original furnishings were refurbished to revive their classic charm.