First Cluster development scheme off the blocks

Dilapidated buildings and slums built before 1960 will make way for high-rises in Lower Parel; similar projects coming up on Currey Road and Mahalaxmi

¯     WHAT IS CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT

LAST YEAR, the State Government had amended the development control (DC) rules for Mumbai, paving the way for cluster development in the island city as well as redevelopment of cessed buildings. Cluster redevelopment is simply redeveloping an area comprising several buildings rather than individual structures, on a minimum 4,000 square metre plot.

NM Joshi Marg at Lower Parel becomes one of the first areas in the city where dilapidated buildings and slums built before 1960 will make way for high-rise complexes. Part of the proposed project, by Shreepati Group, is a 73-storey tower, which will be one of the first to be built under the Cluster Development Scheme.

Last year, the State had amended the development control (DC) rules for Mumbai, paving the way for cluster development in the island city as well as redevelopment of cessed buildings.  Cluster redevelopment is simply redeveloping an area comprising several buildings rather than individual structures, on a minimum one-acre plot.

In the Lower Parel project, 840 tenants living in old buildings and slums will be rehabilitated in three buildings.

A commercial complex will be handed over to MHADA as part of its share in the project. Pranav Merchant, vice-president, Shreepati Group, said, “We received the urban development clearance around a fortnight ago.  Work will start in three to four months after BMC gives its nod.  We aim to complete (the project) in about four years.”

In 2009, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan had announced a floor space index as high as four for redevelopment under the scheme.  While it is an obvious bonanza for the builders, they will also be obliged to provide amenities like parks and roads.

Apart from the Lower Parel project, Nish Developers’ seven-acre project in Currey Road, and D B Realty’s 22,000 sq mt project in Mahalaxmi, have been approved under the scheme.

Construction has already begun at Nish Developers’ One Avighna Park project will have 64-storey twin towers with three, four and five BHK apartments, apart from Penthouses.

Kailash Agarwal , promoter of Nish Developers, said “We will have a five-star hotel –cum-service apartments ready by 2014. The project will change the face of Currey Road.” There are 18 other proposals awaiting urban development clearance under the scheme.

 Report From TOI Dated 17/09/2010 Page No 2