The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is advancing plans for a multi-sports and recreation precinct in the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), proposing football, cricket, pickleball and other athletic facilities as part of a broader effort to address a persistent gap in community space within one of India’s busiest commercial districts. The move reflects growing recognition that high-intensity business districts must incorporate active-lifestyle infrastructure and inclusive leisure options to support worker wellbeing and urban resilience.
MMRDA has floated a tender to lease approximately 2.47 lakh square feet of land in BKC’s E Block for private-sector operation of the proposed recreational hub, which will combine sports turfs, courts and running tracks with food and beverage outlets to create a diversified public space. While BKC is widely known for its office towers and financial institutions, the lack of accessible recreation facilities has long been a concern among residents and office workers alike, especially given the district’s high daily population density.The planned sports complex aims to incorporate football and cricket turfs, pickleball and badminton courts, fitness zones, seating areas and lighting systems that can be used by professionals, amateurs and youth groups. The inclusion of a restaurant and snack bars within the precinct signals a combined approach to sports and social recreation, creating opportunities for both informal exercise and community gathering.
Urban planners describe the initiative as potentially transformative for urban liveability in BKC — a district where the daily ebb and flow of office workers has historically outpaced the provision of public amenities. “Commercial centres that cater exclusively to employment functions often miss the socio-civic dimension of city life,” says an urban development expert. “Active-lifestyle infrastructure can help balance work with health, community interaction and civic vibrancy.” Such spaces can also alleviate pressure on existing resorts and parks, which frequently see overcrowding during peak seasons. (Attribution generic)The tender structure invites private operators to develop and manage the facilities, including revenue-generating elements such as training programmes, facility rentals and F&B services. This public-private model reflects MMRDA’s broader strategy of leveraging private expertise and capital to enrich urban amenities without placing undue fiscal strain on civic budgets. It also aligns with emerging trends in Indian cities where sports infrastructure is integrated into mixed-use precincts to boost economic activity and local employment.
Critically, the inclusion of pickleball — a rapidly growing racquet sport with strong uptake in urban India — alongside traditional games like football and cricket highlights evolving citizen preferences for diverse, low-barrier physical activities. Planners say such variety can draw broader participation, including among women, school groups and older adults, promoting inclusive access to active recreation — an important element of people-first urban development goals. (Attribution generic)Yet, successful implementation will hinge on integrated planning that ensures pedestrian-friendly access, safe cycling routes, daylighting and microclimate comfort within the precinct. Given BKC’s dense traffic environment and ongoing traffic management reforms, coordinated design approaches that prioritise safety, shade and seamless connectivity to transit nodes will be essential for sustained usage and public engagement. (Attribution generic)
As MMRDA refines the tender process and anticipates developer participation, the proposed sports and recreation hub at BKC marks a notable shift in how high-pressure commercial districts can evolve into more balanced urban environments that support health, community cohesion and economic vibrancy alongside corporate functions.
