The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has finalized plans to restore the old Town Hall complex in Chandni Chowk, with a budget of ₹4.5 crore. The project, based on plans drawn by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), will focus on repair and maintenance work.
A senior municipal official said, “We will soon invite proposals from interested agencies for carrying out restoration work at the Old Press Building.” The project will include civil and electrical work, replacement of all windows, and other necessary repairs. Since the building is a heritage structure, restoration will use traditional materials, such as lime for repairing the roof and walls.
The MCD had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) to preserve and digitize century-old artefacts and documents stored in the Old Press Building. Officials reported that 40% of these documents have already been restored.
The restored Town Hall complex will be transformed into a museum, showcasing souvenirs, distinguished visitors’ books, and printing equipment, including a printing machine purchased from England in 1926.
Image Courtesy: hindustantimes.com
