New Delhi, September 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Delhi government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to redevelop the historic Town Hall complex in Chandni Chowk as a proposed ‘Global Heritage Centre’, officials said on Sunday.
The MoU was signed by the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), the nodal agency of the Delhi government’s Tourism Department, and the MCD in the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Under the agreement, the historic Town Hall, Press Building and Park will be conserved and integrated with new tourism and cultural opportunities.
Gupta described the initiative as an important step towards preserving Delhi’s historical heritage. The proposed Global Heritage Centre will include a museum, host cultural activities and provide tourism-related facilities, according to an official statement.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, Delhi Mayor Pravesh Wahi and senior officials were present at the MoU signing ceremony held at the Delhi Secretariat.
The project covers a Grade-I heritage complex that forms part of the historic Chandni Chowk and Shahjahanabad areas. The Town Hall complex was constructed between 1860 and 1866 and served as the headquarters of the municipal corporation for several decades.
The civic headquarters was shifted in 2010 to the Dr S.P. Mukherjee Civic Centre on Minto Road, after which much of the historic complex remained largely vacant.
According to the MoU, ownership of the approximately 12,180-square-metre complex will remain with the MCD.
The project envisages adaptive reuse of the historic structures while retaining their original architectural and heritage character. The redevelopment is intended to make the complex useful for contemporary tourism and cultural activities without compromising its historical identity.
The proposed centre is expected to offer domestic and international visitors a dedicated space to experience Delhi’s history, heritage and culture. Its location near Chandni Chowk and the Old Delhi Railway Station, in an area with a high tourist footfall, has been identified as a key advantage for the project.
Under the MoU, DTTDC will conduct surveys, undertake a structural assessment and prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR). A decision on implementing the project through public investment or a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model will be taken subsequently.
A Joint Working Group comprising representatives of the DTTDC and MCD will monitor the project and review its progress periodically.
The initial term of the MoU is 30 years and may be extended by another 30 years with the mutual consent of both parties.
Heritage and archival material, artefacts and historical records associated with the Town Hall will continue to remain with the MCD.
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