New Delhi: Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is working on a proposal to develop the historic Town Hall in Chandni Chowk into a cultural hub, offering the public a space for recreation and engagement in a heritage setting.
The landmark — a draw for domestic and international tourists — is being considered for conversion into a major destination that showcases Delhi's past. The move follows a recent visit by chief minister Rekha Gupta, who recommended revamping the complex in collaboration with the Delhi govt and operating it under a revenue-sharing model, according to sources.
On Feb 26, MCD wrote to Delhi Tourism and Transport Development Corporation (DTTDC) seeking its expertise in heritage redevelopment and tourism promotion. The letter from the City Sadar Paharganj zone has asked DTTDC to "examine the proposal, suggest possible collaboration, identify appropriate schemes and outline a broad framework for taking the project forward. The civic body said such guidance would support its efforts to restore the heritage asset and integrate it into the city's cultural and tourism map."
Officials said MCD owns the Town Hall building, which served as its headquarters from 1866 to 2012. The structure reflects Delhi's architectural, administrative and cultural heritage."Since 2012, the premises have remained vacant. MCD is exploring conservation, restoration and adaptive reuse of the Town Hall in a manner that preserves its heritage value while enabling public engagement," said an official.
In Aug last year, MCD appointed a consultant to prepare a project report to revitalise the 162-year-old structure. The plan was to use part of the complex for public functions and shift the City Sadar Paharganj zonal office there. "However, after a meeting with the commissioner, the civic body decided to revive the entire complex as a public cultural hub, " the official said.
Ahead of the G20 Summit last year, MCD carried out basic repairs. But officials said the building now requires extensive restoration. "The plaster on the ceiling was damaged in many places, including the main hall, prompting restrictions on entry in sections such as the porch, where a portion of the ceiling recently collapsed," another official said earlier.
Constructed between 1860 and 1863 in the mid-colonial style, the Grade-A heritage structure stands on a 13,735 sq m plot and comprises three buildings.
Multiple redevelopment plans over the years did not progress. In Dec 2022, MCD shifted the library housed in the building to the Civic Centre's third floor. The same year, the Union culture ministry expressed interest in taking over the site on a 33-year lease to develop a museum, library, research centre and restaurant. The plan stalled due to lack of clarity on revenue sharing. Earlier, in 2018, the erstwhile North Corporation proposed a heritage hotel, but no bids were received. In 2023, MCD set up a heritage cell to prepare restoration estimates.
Vibha Sharma serves as an Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of...
Read MoreVibha Sharma serves as an Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, having dedicated 18 years to journalism. She has carved a niche in civic affairs and urban infrastructure reporting, delving into the fundamental aspects of urban administration, including sanitation, taxation, city planning, infrastructure and environmental sustainability, while examining Delhi's grassroots operations. As a veteran civic journalist, her reporting illuminates the daily urban challenges confronting Delhi, encompassing municipal taxation frameworks, circular economy, infrastructure enhancement and land utilisation regulations.
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