Pune: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has come up with two options for redevelopment of its first cultural auditorium, the famed Balgandharva Rangmandir on Jangli Maharaj Road, after considering strong public opinion. MahaMetro had demanded a parking space for this auditorium for Pune Metro’s Vanaz-Ramwadi route.
Shivaji Lanke, Executive Engineer of Bhavan (Structure) Department of PMC, said, “We have invited proposals from world class architects for redevelopment of Balgandharva Rangmandir. We have given two options - keeping existing Rangmandir structure or redeveloping after completely demolishing old structure. We have given deadline of January 21 to present proposals of redevelopment.”
Why redevelopment?
Redevelopment concept was introduced by former Standing Committee Chairman Murli Mohol in February 2018. Committee allocated Rs 10 crore in PMC’s budget 2018-19, which attracted strong reactions from the public over the iconic building’s demolition.
Pune Metro Rail had demanded 15,179 square metre space in the auditorium’s premises for the Metro station near Sambhaji garden on Vanaz-Ramwadi route.
This space was to be used for entry and exit stairs for the overhead metro.
Parking space
The space is currently utilised for parking of two-wheelers. MahaMetro has also requested land measuring 34.26 sq mt located near the Nande swimming pool parking.
Pune Metro had written a letter in October 2018 and demanded land for Metro station.
Now, after ten months, Pune corporation issued advertisement for expression of interest to invite top class architects with an innovative redevelopment plan. Once again, people are giving strong reactions on corporation proposal.
Finally, Mayor Mukta Tilak issued a written statement that decision of redevelopment of this auditorium will be taken after taking public opinion.
She said “Jangli Maharaj Road is one of the busiest roads in the city, and now a metro railway station has been planned near Sambhaji Garden.”
Hence, public movement will increase in this area. Considering future development, we have called for proposals from registered architects,” she said.
