Taj Villa, a heritage bungalow from the 1930s on Carter Road, Bandra West, will be preserved and restored, while a 14-storey luxury residential tower will be constructed behind it. The bungalow, currently owned by the Gore family, will undergo structural and aesthetic restoration without altering its distinctive Art Deco façade.
As per reports, the Gore family has signed a redevelopment agreement with JSW Realty. As per the deal, the bungalow will remain intact, and a high-end residential tower will be built to complement the villa’s historical significance.
Restoration with modern amenities
Taj Villa is a 7,000 sq ft, ground-plus-one structure, while the new tower will span 70,000 sq ft, with some floors allocated to the Gore family. The Villa restoration will include:
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Roof, ceiling, windows, balconies, and floors being refurbished to their original design.
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Modern amenities added, while preserving the villa’s heritage elements.
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Aesthetic and structural enhancements without altering the front façade.
Gore family had been in discussions with multiple developers for years before finalising the deal. Real estate experts estimate the half-acre property to be worth around ₹300 crore, making it one of Bandra’s most valuable heritage properties.
Debate over heritage conservation
The redevelopment has sparked mixed reactions among heritage conservationists. Some experts have pointed out that while the move is preferable to demolition, such projects often result in heritage properties losing their original character. It was observed that while preservation efforts were commendable, they might compromise the ‘soul’ of the structure.
