Heritage norms could hit redevpt of landmark bldgs

 

Mumbai: The heritage panel's proposed guidelines restricting the height of buildings may affect two building projects in the Marine Drive zone.
   Consultants have been asked to revise plans of Birla Krida Kendra auditorium and Bal Bhavan by the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC).
   The panel wants their blueprints to comply with their new norms. "We have asked the civic body to rework the designs," said MHCC chairman V Ranganathan.
   The sea-facing Birla Krida Kendra plot houses a theatre, halls and a restaurant, the civic-owned facility was shut down in 2000 after it was declared dilapidated. The BMC wants to redevelop it and construct an underground aquarium, upgraded auditoriums, underground parking lots and other amenities.
   In the Bal Bhavan redevelopment plan, children auditoriums and museums will be built. "The proposal is yet to be discussed in the committee meeting but even this project will be viewed keeping in mind the guidelines," said a MHCC member. The heritage panel draft followed a Bombay high court directive to the state government to form redevelopment rules for the Marine Drive area.

MARINE DRIVE RESTORATION


Proposed guidelines for redevelopment in the Marine Drive heritage zone includes capping the height of buildings
The draft proposal suggests that redeveloped buildings can go up to seven storeys
The plan for redevelopment of Bal Bhavan puts its height at 30m. Guidelines permit structures up to 14m on this stretch of Marine Drive
   Birla Krida Kendra auditorium (pictured) redevelopment blueprint mentions 23m as its height. New norms allow construction till 21m