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The BMC has proposed to demolish the 129-year-old Vikas Premises Cooperative society building in Fort, Mumbai, citing its dangerous condition. The structure houses the iconic Jimmy Boy restaurant. Residents, however, oppose the demolition, hoping for restoration. This comes after the Bombay High Court dismissed a resident petition in late 2023, prioritizing public safety. All 37 society members have vacated. While the BMC proceeds to appoint a contractor for demolition, the restaurant owner maintains that other avenues are being explored, highlighting the complexity of heritage building redevelopments.
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has recently put forth a proposal to appoint a contractor for demolition of a 129-year-old building in Fort, Mumbai. The building in question is Vikas Premises Cooperative society, which houses the popular Parsi restaurant, Jimmy Boy, on its ground floor. The BMC insists on urgently razing the structure due to its declared "dilapidated and dangerous" condition. Advertisement
In late 2023, the Bombay High Court dismissed a petition filed by the building's occupants that had challenged the BMC's evacuation and demolition notices. The court emphasized that public safety and the value of life must take precedence over property concerns. Following this court ruling, the BMC issued a fresh notice to the building's owners, reiterating the need to vacate and demolish the property.
The BMC has offered to carry out the demolition process should the owners fail to do so. All 37 members of the former society have vacated the premises. The cost of demolition is to be recovered from the society. If salvageable debris from the demolition is not lifted, authorities plan to recover the cost from owners. Eviction and demolition charges are often borne by occupants or owners, depending on the conditions of the contract.
While the official statement is that all members have corporated and vacated the premises, the owner of Jimmy Boy the restaurant, claims otherwise. In conversation with Hindustan Times, Sherzad Irani claims that multiple other avenues are still being explored and that demolition might only be considered as the last resort.
Redevelopment, especially at heritage sites such as Fort is challenging to say the least. While safety must always trump aesthetic and cultural preservation, more viable solutions must be sought to secure a general consensus. Mumbai has several such cases where restaurants, cafes, retail units and shops exist in heritage buildings. Proper rehabilitation and restoration plans must be developed to avoid such problems in the future.
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