Kolkata is witnessing a significant stride in heritage preservation and sustainable urban development with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Confederation of Real Estate Developers’ Associations of India (CREDAI), Kolkata, and the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC). This landmark agreement earmarks ₹5 crore for the comprehensive repair and restoration of the iconic, albeit now defunct, Roxy Cinema, transforming it into a state-of-the-art modern auditorium. This public-private partnership not only promises to breathe new life into a cherished city landmark but also sets a precedent for collaborative efforts towards building a more culturally rich, eco-friendly, and accessible urban landscape.
Roxy Cinema, a Grade IIA building on KMC’s Graded List of Heritage Buildings, holds immense historical and architectural significance for Kolkata. Under the terms of the MoU, CREDAI Kolkata will undertake the interior restoration, while the KMC will focus on repairing and painting the building’s facade at 4B Chowringhee Place. This dual approach ensures that the external grandeur of the heritage structure is preserved, adhering to the strict guidelines for Grade IIA buildings which permit no external alterations while allowing compatible new construction within the premises that does not obstruct the heritage view. Siddharth Pansari, President of CREDAI Kolkata, emphasized that this initiative exemplifies a model where private entities invest in public infrastructure for wider community benefit, aiming to complete the restoration within nine months.
Also Watch: “Mumbai will rock, shine and always be India’s best city to live.” In an exclusive, MHADA CEO Sanjeev Jaiswal (IAS) talks about Mumbai’s enduring charm, livability, and the government’s focus on making it affordable for all
The transformation of Roxy Cinema into a modern auditorium extends beyond mere structural restoration; it represents a commitment to creating sustainable and inclusive public spaces. Such projects are vital for fostering a vibrant urban ecosystem that caters to diverse community needs, from cultural events to educational programmes. By repurposing existing heritage structures, Kolkata avoids the carbon footprint associated with new constructions and promotes a circular economy in urban development. This approach aligns with the city’s broader vision of achieving zero-net carbon emissions and developing gender-neutral, equitable cities where cultural heritage is celebrated and accessible to all citizens.
The collaboration between CREDAI and KMC for the Roxy Cinema project serves as a powerful model for future urban development initiatives. It demonstrates how private sector expertise and resources can be effectively channelled towards preserving public assets and enhancing urban quality of life. This partnership encourages other stakeholders to invest in similar projects, paving the way for a more integrated and sustainable approach to urban planning. As Kolkata moves forward, such strategic alliances will be crucial in balancing rapid urbanisation with the imperative of preserving its unique heritage, ensuring that its rich past informs a progressive, inclusive, and environmentally conscious future for all its inhabitants.
Also Read: Air India Flight AI 2744 Skids Off Mumbai Runway Amid Rain Toda
