After years of stagnation, the redevelopment of Topiwala Market near Goregaon railway station is set to progress with a new INR 151-crore tender issued by the BMC. Designed by Shashi Prabhu and Associates, the 16-story building will feature a market on the ground and first floors, parking podiums, an 800-seat auditorium, and residential floors for hospital doctors. Initial reluctance from vendors and legal hurdles delayed the project, originally started in 2017. After the COVID-19 pandemic caused further setbacks, the BMC terminated the previous contractor and issued a new tender. The modern complex will integrate market spaces, an auditorium, and residential units, prioritizing accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement.
After years of stagnation, the Topiwala Market redevelopment near Goregaon railway station is set to regain momentum with the BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) issuing a INR 151-crore tender. Designed by Shashi Prabhu and Associates, the 16-story building project has encountered various obstacles, including delays and changes in contractors.
Originally stalled since 2017, the upcoming market is set to transform the landscape with a host of new features. The ground and first floors will host vegetable vendors, while amenities such as parking podiums and an 800-seat auditorium for drama and theatre are also on the agenda. Residential floors tailored for hospital doctors are planned, offering a multifaceted space to cater to diverse needs.
The journey towards redevelopment has been difficult. In 2014, the market comprised 79 licensed vendors on the ground floor, initially reluctant to vacate their rundown sheds. However, with the issuance of a work order by the city council, the wheels of change were set in motion.
In 2016-17, BMC awarded the construction contract to Sheth Constructions, yet encountered resistance from vendors. The project envisioned a market encompassing 112 shops for vegetables, fruits, flowers, and eateries on the ground floor, with an additional 94 shops for cosmetics, clothing, accessories, and utensils on the first floor. Facilities catering to public conveniences and disabled-friendly infrastructure were planned for the subsequent floors.
Legal hurdles further held up the progress, resulting in a delay of one and a half years and a tender cost escalation to approximately INR 125 crores. Although excavation commenced in 2019 post a court case resolution, the COVID-19 pandemic posed yet another setback, halting the contractor's progress for 2.5 years.
Despite efforts to relocate vendors temporarily and push forward with the project, a dispute over price escalation ultimately led to the termination of the contract. However, the BMC has swiftly moved to address the issue by issuing a new tender based on updated rates, now valued at INR 151 crores.
It will feature a modern complex seamlessly integrating a market, auditorium, and residential units. Commuters will be ushered from Goregaon Railway Station (West) through a walkway leading to the redeveloped market. This vibrant hub will span two basements, a ground floor, and a 16-story building. The residential section will offer 53 2BHK flats from the 10th to 15th floors, complemented by recreational amenities on the 9th floor. Meanwhile, the market will accommodate 206 shops across two floors, catering to various needs from fresh produce to fashion. The auditorium, spanning the 5th to 8th floors, will boast a drama theatre with 800 seats, alongside amenities such as a cafeteria, VIP room, and rehearsal halls. The entire complex will prioritise accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement.
An architect involved in the project emphasised the improved provisions for existing licensees, with added space and amenities like a parking podium, auditorium, and recreational area for hospital staff quarters. However, managing and accommodating the 206 licensees remains a formidable challenge as the project marches towards completion.
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