Mumbai's commercial complex BKC may have a makeover

Proposal by P K Das & Associates, a Mumbai based architecture and consultant firm called for bringing back life into the BKC area

Mumbaikars would be able to experience a revamped Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), the city's planned commercial complex if a proposal given to Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is accepted by them.

A proposal by P K Das & Associates, a Mumbai based architecture and consultant firm called for bringing back life into the BKC area, which otherwise reflects like a dead neighbourhood once the offices shut down.

The proposal suggested development of ampi-theatre, cultural court, exhibition areas, urban forests, water body, play areas for children, walking, jogging, leisure and recreation facilities, food courts, resting and relaxing areas for senior citizens.  Dilip Kawathkar, Joint Project Director, MMRDA said, "The concept is very interesting. However, the MMRDA will have to formulate stringent guidelines to ensure appropriate and mature expansion of the area if the proposal is finally accepted."

 

BKC is one of the first of the planned commercial complex in the city to contain concentration of commercial activities only to South Mumbai. The complex covering about 350 plus hectares area is home to a host of commercial and financial institutions including the Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, ICICI Bank, Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi), National Stock Exchange (NSE) and the American Consulate. The world's largest diamond exchange, Bharat Diamond Bourse is also located here.