Historic Town Hall in Chandni Chowk to be revamped and developed as a Global Heritage Centre
Grade-I heritage identity to be preserved as the complex becomes a major centre for museums, cultural and tourism activities
Old Delhi’s heritage will gain a new identity through tourism: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
Historic Town Hall to become more attractive and useful for tourists: Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra
New Delhi, September 2026 : The Delhi government has taken an important step towards redeveloping the historic Town Hall in Chandni Chowk. In the presence of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation (DTTDC), the nodal agency of the Delhi government’s Tourism Department, and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Under the MoU, the historic Town Hall, Press Building and Park will be conserved and developed as a ‘Global Heritage Centre’. The Chief Minister said the initiative is an important step towards preserving Delhi’s historical heritage and connecting it with new opportunities in tourism and development, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India.
Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, Delhi Mayor Shri Pravesh Wahi and senior officials of the concerned departments were also present at the MoU signing ceremony held at the Delhi Secretariat. The project is particularly significant as the Town Hall and its associated complex form part of the historic areas of Chandni Chowk and Shahjahanabad. The Grade-I heritage complex was built between 1860 and 1866. The Municipal Corporation’s headquarters remained in the complex for a long time before being shifted in 2010 to the new Dr S.P. Mukherjee Civic Centre on Minto Road. Since then, a large part of the complex has remained largely vacant. According to the MoU, ownership of the historic complex, spread over approximately 12,180 square metres, will remain with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
Modern use while preserving heritage
The project aims to undertake the adaptive reuse of the historic building while preserving its original heritage identity. In other words, the building will be conserved in keeping with its historical and architectural character, while also being made useful for present-day tourism and cultural needs. The proposed Global Heritage Centre is planned to include a museum, cultural activities and facilities related to tourism. This will provide domestic and international tourists visiting Old Delhi with a new major attraction where they can experience Delhi’s history, heritage and culture within a single complex. Located in a highly busy area with a large flow of tourists, near Chandni Chowk and the Old Delhi Railway Station, the complex has considerable potential for better utilisation.
DTTDC and civic body officials to review progress regularly
Under the MoU, DTTDC has been entrusted with conducting surveys, carrying out a structural assessment of the building and preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project. Subsequently, the option of developing the project through public investment or the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model will be decided. A Joint Working Group comprising representatives of DTTDC and the Municipal Corporation will also be constituted to regularly review the progress of the project. The initial term of the MoU has been set at 30 years and may be extended by another 30 years through mutual consent. Heritage material, archival material, artefacts and historical records associated with the Town Hall will remain with the Municipal Corporation. The project places special emphasis on preserving the historical heritage associated with the building along with the conservation of the structure itself.
Effort to connect Old Delhi’s heritage with the younger generation: CM Rekha Gupta
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the historic Town Hall in Chandni Chowk is not merely a building but an important part of Delhi’s rich history and heritage. The Delhi government is committed to preserving its historical and architectural identity while connecting it with modern tourism and cultural activities. Once developed as a Global Heritage Centre, the complex will become an important centre for introducing tourists visiting Delhi from across the country and abroad to the history, culture and heritage of Old Delhi. The initiative is an important step towards preserving Delhi’s historical heritage and connecting it with new opportunities in tourism and development, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India.
Heritage tourism to receive a new impetus: Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra
Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra said Chandni Chowk’s historical heritage is an important part of Delhi’s identity. Developing the Town Hall, Press Building and Park as a Global Heritage Centre will give a new impetus to heritage tourism in the area. “Our effort is to make historical monuments more attractive and useful for domestic and international tourists while preserving their heritage,” he said.
