Three more cluster projects in the pipeline

The Cluster Redevelopment Scheme’s project count so far has been two in the works, three in the pipeline

The Cluster Redevelopment Scheme’s project count so far has been two in the works, three in the pipeline — not the best track record.

The three projects in the pipeline include the 3.5-acre Imamwada Redevelopment Project, the 38-acre Kamathipura redevelopment project and the 34-acre Abhudaya Nagar redevelopment project.

Congress legislator Amin Patel, the brain behind the first two projects, said cluster revamp was the only way to ensure bigger houses and superior amenities.

“We will construct a 30,000 sqft modern hospital along with a 10,000 sqft library and hall at Imamwada. This would not have been possible in other schemes,” said Patel.

For the 960 tenants currently living in dangerously dilapidated structures, the revamp will ensure they each get 350 sqft apartments. According to Salim Kodia, partner, MK Enterprises, the project will contribute immensely to the affordable houses scheme.

“The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation will get 350 houses for free in the heart of the city,” said Kodia.

The Imamwada scheme is the only one to be passed by a high-powered committee after the amended cluster policy came into force in September 2014.

They currently live in 210 sqft houses and will move to 582 sqft apartments fitted with all modern amenities. In addition, every tenant will get Rs7 lakh as a corpus fund.

“We opted for the cluster model as it ensured bigger houses for us. It will be a full-fledged township,” said an office bearer of the Abhudaya Nagar Federation, on condition of anonymity. Rustomjee Builders has got a green signal from 26 of the total 47 buildings in the area.

The cluster bug has also bitten residents of the 38-acre Kamathipura. After a feasibility study, which covered 700 buildings that house 5,000 tenants, a global tender will be floated shortly. Balnarsaiah Donthula, vice-president, Kamathipura Landlord Association (KLA), said this was the best model for the city.

“A majority of the buildings are constructed on small plots where revamp is practically impossible,” said Donthula. “This model will ensure planned systematic development and an infrastructure upgrade,” he said.