New Delhi: The Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to redevelop the historic Town Hall complex in Chandni Chowk as a Global Heritage Centre, with plans for museums, cultural activities and tourism facilities.
The MoU was signed between the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC) and the MCD in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The project will cover the Town Hall, the adjoining Press Building and the park, spread across around 12,180 square metres.
What is planned for Chandni Chowk Town Hall?
The Grade-I heritage complex, built between 1860 and 1866, will be developed through an adaptive reuse approach. This means the structures will be given new uses while retaining their historical and architectural character.
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The proposed Global Heritage Centre is expected to include:
- A museum and exhibition spaces
- Cultural and heritage activities
- Tourism-related facilities
- Spaces showcasing the history and heritage of Old Delhi
The ownership of the complex will continue to remain with the MCD. Historical records, archival material and artefacts associated with the Town Hall will also remain with the civic body.
The Town Hall served as the municipal corporation’s headquarters for several decades before the MCD shifted to the Dr SP Mukherjee Civic Centre in 2010. A substantial portion of the complex has remained largely unused since then.
DTTDC to prepare redevelopment plan
Under the MoU, the DTTDC will conduct surveys and a structural assessment of the complex before preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR).
The project may subsequently be taken up through public investment or a public-private partnership (PPP) model. A Joint Working Group comprising officials from the DTTDC and MCD will monitor the progress of the project.
The initial MoU will remain valid for 30 years and can be extended by another 30 years with mutual consent.
Rekha Gupta, Kapil Mishra on heritage project
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Town Hall is an important part of Delhi’s history and heritage.
“The Delhi government is committed to preserving its historical and architectural identity while connecting it with modern tourism and cultural activities,” Gupta said. She added that the proposed centre would help visitors from India and abroad experience the history, culture and heritage of Old Delhi at one location.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said developing the Town Hall, Press Building and Park as a Global Heritage Centre would provide “a new impetus to heritage tourism” in Chandni Chowk.
“Our effort is to make historical monuments more attractive and useful for domestic and international tourists while preserving their heritage,” Mishra said.
The project is intended to bring the long-underused historic complex back into public use while retaining its heritage identity and creating a dedicated space for Delhi’s history, culture and tourism.
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