Crawford market redevelopment strikes a balance between heritage preservation and modern necessities

Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, more commonly known as Crawford Market, is approaching completion of its first phase of redevelopment and will be set to open in June. The renovations include the Blocks 3 and 4 of the building, the fountain, as well as an open space that will allow customers to relax themselves while shopping, enjoying the fountain and accessing the market.
The building was initially built in 1869 by Lockwood Kipling - father of author Rudyard Kipling, and designed by British Architect William Emerson. The market is currently host to an array of wholesalers, such as fruits, vegetables, poultry, as well as consumer goods. It features famous architectural styles of the 19th century, including Victorian, Gothic, Norman, and Flemish styles.
The architect in charge of the redevelopment, Abha Narain Lambah, said that the aim of the renovation was to preserve the heritage of the building while increasing accessibility of the market. With this in mind, the old structure of the clocktower was restored and open spaces were added to the market. One of the most significant challenges faced by the team was redeveloping the building part-by-part, so the sellers would not be displaced. The sellers were instead moved to other areas of the market, consequently leading to a longer time for redevelopment.
Lambah was appointed in charge back in 2007. Her team's suggestions to preserve the heritage, add structures and open spaces, while maintaining the same height took time to gain approval from the authorities. The project ultimately received the green light in 2020, and the team had to work through the pandemic and lockdown, thus delaying completion. The project still has a year-and-a-half to go before it is fully completed - heavy rocks still need to be excavated and the team has to navigate rebuilding while keeping its historic charm intact.
The new blocks will have two basement levels, where the unloading and loading of goods can take place and effluents from cleaning fish can be treated, as well as space for 150 car parking. The block will be four levels high, with vendors interspersed throughout. The central open space will serve as a pedestrian plaza for customers and will have views of the famous fountain.
After redevelopment of Blocks Three and Four is completed, the next phase will focus on Blocks One and Two, allowing the vendors to be temporarily moved and for the process to be more seamless. Blocks One and Two will primarily hold the fruit and pet market, and are set to open next year.
BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani visited the site with other officials to inspect and review the rebuilding. By striking a balance between historical preservation and modernization, the initiative aims to rejuvenate the market's appeal, attracting a wider audience and repositioning it as a dynamic hub within Mumbai's urban landscape.

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Crawford market redevelopment strikes a balance between heritage preservation and modern necessities

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