Pune’s Fitzgerald Bridge, a heritage structure built by the British and turned into a public art plaza, is set to be revitalised following years of neglect. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has entered into a partnership with a private IT firm to revamp the walking plaza, which has fallen into disrepair since its opening in 2017.
The project, which is expected to be completed within two months, will involve significant landscaping work and the maintenance of the flora and fauna around the bridge. Yuvraj Deshmukh, head of PMC’s establishment department, confirmed that the firm would also be responsible for maintaining the facility once the development is complete.
The Fitzgerald Bridge, once a bustling thoroughfare, was closed to traffic in 2015-16 and repurposed as an arts plaza. It featured seating arrangements and an open stage, intended to provide a recreational space for citizens and a platform for artists. However, over time, the space has become a shadow of its former self. Wild plants have overrun the decorative floor patterns, the seating arrangements are either damaged or missing entirely, and the display works are in ruins. The plaza, initially envisioned as a cultural hub, has been rendered virtually unusable due to neglect. The decline of the Fitzgerald Bridge plaza is a stark reminder of the city’s broader challenges in maintaining public amenities.
While there has been a strong push for new projects, citizens are increasingly voicing concerns about the lack of foresight in maintaining public spaces. Residents, from Satara Road, have pointed out that neglected public spaces often become havens for anti-social activities, causing inconvenience to the community. “Such places become a nuisance, with many using them for illegal activities. It reflects poorly on the administration,” she said.
Similarly, a resident of Kothrud, emphasised the importance of accessible and well-maintained public amenities. “Civic places of recreation and entertainment are crucial for families, children, health enthusiasts, and senior citizens. When they’re not properly maintained, it not only wastes public funds but also deprives people of essential community spaces,” she stated. The PMC has acknowledged the shortcomings in its previous efforts and is now attempting to integrate the rejuvenation of the Fitzgerald Bridge plaza with the larger Riverfront Development (RFD) project. The first phase of the RFD, which includes creating recreational spaces along the riverfront, is expected to be completed soon. The walking plaza could potentially become a key destination for people visiting the nearby RFD spots, providing additional leisure opportunities.
The original project, which cost the PMC around Rs 80 lakh, was launched with much fanfare and high hopes for it to become a vibrant public space. It initially saw some usage, with artists and performers making regular use of the plaza for exhibitions and small shows. However, after a decline in interest and a lack of administrative support, the facility fell into neglect. The Covid-19 pandemic, which caused the plaza to remain closed for two years, further worsened the situation. The art plaza was expected to serve as a place for creativity, but without proper upkeep, it turned into a forgotten corner of the city.
As the PMC looks to revitalise this space, there is hope that the Fitzgerald Bridge plaza will once again become a valuable asset to Pune. Yet, it also highlights the pressing need for long-term planning in the management of public spaces. While new projects are essential to a growing city, ensuring that existing public amenities are maintained and utilised is equally critical. As Pune continues to expand, citizens and civic authorities must work together to safeguard the city’s cultural and recreational spaces for future generations.
