Lake Town: A space for community reinvented

Over the past decade, Lake Town’s VIP Road-side stretch around the clock tower has evolved from a regular residential-commercial pocket into a visually distinctive public landmark. What was once primarily a transit zone is now one of north Kolkata’s most recognisable neighbourhood identifiers.An isolated stretchUntil the early 2000s, large parts of Lake Town felt relatively quiet and isolated despite being well-connected. "Earlier, hardly anyone knew Lake Town. It felt very isolated, almost like a forested stretch. It wasn’t a place people associated with activity or crowds,” says resident Sucharita Chowdhury. The canals and adjoining stretches lacked structured public spaces, and the area did not have a strong visual or recreational identity. What makes it a Kolkata iconGradual real estate development and infrastructure upgrades reshaped the area over time. “Roads were repaired, shops opened, and in the last few years the canal banks have been turned into parks where people can sit. A hospital has come up, residential complexes have expanded, and today the area feels far more structured and lively,” adds Sucharita. The installation of the Big Ben-inspired clock tower modelled after London’s iconic Big Ben, gave the neighbourhood a defining landmark. Improved lighting, better pavements and organised commercial activity made the stretch more pedestrian-friendly and active in the evenings. Seasonal events further strengthened its public character. “Lake Town has really come into its own over the years. The Christmas carnival, winter food festivals and various community functions draw huge crowds. And of course, the scale of the Durga Puja here has brought visitors from across Kolkata, giving the neighbourhood a new kind of recognition,” says another resident, Rashmi Datta.Why we love it• It created a strong visual identity for the neighbourhood• It turned a traffic crossing into a recognisable landmark• It becomes a major festive draw during Durga Puja• It boosted local business activity