The civic body now plans to restore the heritage structure—built in the Gothic-Revival style in 1884—to its original glory. The UNESCO-awarded Corporation Hall will also be modified for a larger seating arrangement.

After months of discussion, the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee and the civic administration have finally approved the restoration plan of the BMC structure.

The heritage conservation exercise will include restoration of interiors and the exterior—from the roof tiles to the exquisite Minton tiles inside, from strengthening several wooden beams to stained glass work. The civic body had appointed a panel of three conservation architects—Abha Narain Lambah, Shashi Prabhu and Shimul Zaveri Kadri—to work on the plan, estimated to cost Rs 80 crore.

Said City Engineer P G Bagul: “Tenders for the first phase, which includes structural consolidation, restoration and cleaning of the exterior, will be invited by next week and the work is expected to be completed by the year-end.”

Lambah said: “The first phase will restore the structure to its original glory. Broken tiles will be replaced, statues will be repaired, plants will be removed and moss will be cleared.”

The later phases will include reorganisation of office space within the building to improve the operational efficiency of staff members.

According to the approved plan, the ground floor will have a Citizens Facilitation Centre and party offices. The Corporation Hall will be modified by including outer corridors and opening the wooden doors to increase its seating capacity from 200 to 300, according to the plan. There will be also be additional space for the press to cover the general body meetings.

The existing mayor’s office will be shifted to the second floor and a lounge-cum-library will be created in its place for the corporators to relax and read before the general body meetings with a rear entry to the annexe building, according to the plan. The first floor will also house offices of all chairmen of the various committees along with the existing municipal commissioner’s office. The second floor will have conference rooms and committee halls of improvement and works committee meetings.

Lambah said this was the first time when the BMC building would be entirely restored. “It’s the largest conservation concept in the city and is very comprehensive in nature. It will be a tough job as the restoration work is to be carried out while the civic affairs and administrative work carry on,” she said.

“There will be now clear division in the administrative and deliberative wing, which will become more accessible for people,” said Prabhu, adding that it would take around three years to complete the restoration work.