Delhi MCD Submits Revival Plan For Old Hindu College Buildings
Delhi is set to reclaim an important slice of its academic and cultural history, with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) submitting a comprehensive proposal for the revival of the Old Hindu College buildings in Kashmiri Gate. The rejuvenation plan, now before the Heritage Conservation Committee, envisions transforming the decaying structures into vibrant cultural and exhibition spaces while staying true to sustainable conservation practices.
The complex, currently lying in disrepair, once housed Hindu College between 1908 and 1953. Over the decades, plaster has peeled, roofs have caved in, and seepage has eroded its walls. Yet, its heritage designation including a Grade-2 circular baradari and a Grade-3 colonnaded wing has kept it under the protection of Delhi’s conservation framework. Officials confirmed that once permission is secured, groundwork for restoration is expected to begin early next year.
Under the proposed plan, the restored baradari will be repurposed as a living exhibition space and gallery celebrating the legacy of the Hindu College community. The colonnaded building is set to be reinvented as a cultural hub featuring a cafeteria, multipurpose hall, and curatorial spaces for heritage displays. A central reception area is planned to welcome visitors, ensuring the site functions as a civic and cultural destination rather than an isolated relic.
Heritage experts believe the project marks an important moment for Delhi’s approach to conservation. By proposing adaptive reuse of heritage buildings, the MCD is aligning with global best practices where history is preserved while being made accessible to the public. Using traditional materials and conservation techniques, the project also underscores the role of eco-friendly methods in city-building.
The site’s layered history adds to its importance. Originally part of a five-acre estate acquired in the early 19th century by mercenary-turned-estate owner Colonel James Skinner, it later became home to Delhi’s oldest church and then to Hindu College at the turn of the 20th century. It remains an enduring link to the educational and social fabric of the city.
Officials point out that the restoration is not just about bricks and mortar but about reclaiming Delhi’s identity. At a time when urban growth often comes at the cost of memory, the initiative reinforces the case for equitable, sustainable cities where heritage is not sidelined but integrated into modern life. If approved, the Old Hindu College revival could become a blueprint for balancing urban development with conservation across the capital.
