The Maharashtra state cabinet has approved a proposal to redevelop over 120 acres of the historic Mahalaxmi Racecourse land in Mumbai into a new Central Park, similar to parks in major cities like New York and London. The land will be handed over to the BMC who will develop a public park of international standards, incorporating 175 acres from a new coastal road project. The cabinet also renewed the lease for the Royal Western India Turf Club to continue operations on the remaining 91 acres for 30 more years. This marks a significant shift to prioritize open green spaces in Mumbai's busy urban landscape, transforming the exclusive race course into a vibrant new hub for recreation accessible to all.
The Maharashtra state cabinet has cleared a proposal to develop a “Mumbai Central Park” on 120 acres of 211-acre Mahalaxmi racecourse land on the lines of Central Park in Manhattan USA and Hyde Park in London. This land will be handed over to BMC by the state government, wherein the BMC will develop the international standard park for the public. In January 2024, RWITC in EGM approved the proposal to return 120 acres of land, with 76% of the members voting in favour.
According to an official statement released by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the land for the park will include 175 acres of open space from the newly constructed Mumbai coastal road and 120 acres of land from the Mahalaxmi Racecourse.
The cabinet also cleared renewal of Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) lease for 91 acres for 30 years. The date on the renewal agreement will be from June 1, 2013, to the date of actual possession of the plot. As per the cabinet decision, the difference in the amount payable for the said period will be recovered by the BMC as per the rate fixed by the state Revenue and Forest Department.
This renewal comes with the provision for the construction of a contemporary clubhouse equipped with amenities. In exchange, RWITC, while maintaining customary racing activities, must cede a substantial portion of land for the creation of a garden and theme park.
The racecourse is spread over an expansive 226 acres. 70% of the land is under the jurisdiction of the state government and the remaining 30% under the purview of the BMC. The Mahalaxmi Race Course was set up on a land parcel given on lease by the BMC to the Royal Western India Turf Club (RWITC) in 1914 for 99 years. It has been identified as a Grade II-B heritage site.
The exact extent of land that RWITC will be required to relinquish for the proposed garden and theme park remains uncertain, with ongoing negotiations aimed at clarifying this critical aspect of the agreement. Sources assert that the government has agreed to ensure the continuity of racing activities throughout the proposed development. The city guardian minister Deepak Kesarkar expressed in October 2023 that both the racecourse and the envisaged park can coexist harmoniously.
Kesarkar had further elaborated that a section of the racecourse would be repurposed for the theme park, featuring a Ferris wheel modelled on the iconic London Eye. Despite the government's efforts to proceed with this plan, it has encountered criticism from various quarters. They contend that any form of development would deprive thousands of people who utilize this unique open space for recreational and health-improving activities.
Despite few concerns in the implementation phase, the overall initiative marks a significant shift towards prioritizing public spaces and green infrastructure in the heart of Mumbai. The Mahalakshmi Racecourse, long synonymous with horse racing and exclusive events, will undergo a transformative makeover to emerge as a vibrant hub for leisure and recreation accessible to all. With its blend of modern amenities, natural beauty, and accessibility, the Mumbai Central Park stands to become a cherished landmark and a testament to Mumbai’s commitment to progress and prosperity.
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