The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has initiated a tender process to develop a multi-sport facility at City Park in Block ‘E’ of the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC), signalling a push to integrate high-quality recreational infrastructure within the commercial hub. The project is being structured on a Design, Develop, Finance, Operate, and Maintain (DDFOM) model for a 10-year contract period, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainable public-private partnerships in urban amenities.
According to the tender, the appointed agency will oversee end-to-end planning, construction, landscaping, utilities provision, and ongoing management of the sports complex. The facility is expected to accommodate a range of sports, including cricket, football, badminton, pickleball or paddleball, along with running tracks and fitness zones. Urban planners suggest that embedding such recreational infrastructure in central business districts helps balance the high-density work environment with health and wellness opportunities, improving the liveability quotient of commercial precincts. The project scope also prioritises community engagement. Programming will extend beyond corporate and office use to include school tournaments, local leagues, and public participation events. By linking civic space with structured recreational activity, the MMRDA aims to enhance social inclusion and activate underutilised urban spaces. Officials emphasise that adherence to safety, environmental, and operational standards will be mandatory throughout the project lifecycle.
Financially, the agency will remit a monthly licence fee to MMRDA, with a 10 per cent annual escalation, covering both the plaza and sports facility. This model ensures revenue generation for the civic authority while maintaining operational responsibility with the private partner. Experts note that such arrangements, if properly monitored, can deliver sustainable facilities without recurring fiscal strain on municipal budgets. Block ‘E’ in BKC already hosts significant institutional and residential developments, including office buildings of the Reserve Bank of India, Income Tax Department, MMRDA offices, and housing for public sector employees. The proposed sports complex occupies a 22,947.90 sq m park area within the urban plaza corridor along the 45-metre-wide BKC Link Road. By situating recreational infrastructure within walking distance of commercial and residential zones, the project is expected to increase footfall, create informal social hubs, and contribute to urban vitality.
Industry observers highlight that this development aligns with broader trends in urban planning that prioritise multi-functional open spaces, integrated recreation, and citizen-first infrastructure. The project also reinforces BKC’s identity as a progressive business district that balances economic activity with quality-of-life amenities, a model increasingly adopted in global financial centres. If executed effectively, the multi-sport facility could set a benchmark for privately operated, publicly accessible recreational infrastructure in high-density commercial areas. Continuous monitoring of operational performance, inclusivity, and environmental management will be crucial to ensure the facility not only supports athletic activity but also enhances urban sustainability and community engagement
MMRDA Plans Multi Sport Facility In BKC
