Roshanara Club with revamped sport facilities, wellness and banquet areas, opens its doors after almost 2 years
Renovated and restored by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), the heritage club now boasts of revamped sport facilities as well as modern wellness and banquet areas, among others.
The club, spread across 22 acres, was taken over by the DDA for renovation on September 29, 2023. This was after L-G V K Saxena – in his maiden visit to the club on January 12, 2023 – noticed that the 'majestic structure was lying in a dilapidated state with poor maintenance with a crumbling facade', the DDA said in a statement.
Saxena, who unveiled the revamped club, said, 'It is a big moment for us, as this heritage club has been restored and relaunched. I congratulate the people of Delhi on this occasion. Delhi is a city of heritage and in the last three years, a number of heritage (sites) have been restored and we are committed towards (restoring) more in the future.'
The club was established on August 15, 1922 as an elite recreational and social retreat for the Britishers residing in the area around present-day Delhi University and Civil Lines. It was named after Begum Roshanara, the daughter of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who was buried in the neighbouring Roshanara Bagh. The club is considered the birthplace of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, which was formed in 1928 when Indian cricket administrators gathered at Roshanara Club.
'Particular attention was given to the preservation of the club's architectural legacy. The century-old façade, including the European-style doors and windows, Mangalore-tiled roof, and intricate wooden trusses, have all been carefully restored. Antique chandeliers and original furnishings were refurbished and reupholstered to revive their classic charm,' the DDA said in its statement.
It added that indoor facilities at the club now include a main lounge, card and billiards rooms, banquet area, bar and dining hall, library, gym, squash and badminton courts, a swimming pool, and a wellness area with yoga, sauna, and steam rooms. Outdoor amenities include clay, grass, and synthetic tennis courts, cricket grounds, a mini football zone, basketball area, and a jogging track.
The DDA said civil works involved anti-termite treatment, waterproofing, marble polishing, wooden flooring repairs, and renovations to sanitary facilities. Important upgrades were made to the squash and badminton courts, swimming pool, and various places in the club house building. While electrical systems were overhauled, AC cooling was enhanced by providing requisite units, ducting and wiring were concealed, and damaged fittings, switches and light fixtures were replaced.
Chandni Chowk BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal, Model Town BJP MLA Ashok Goel, DDA Vice Chairman N Saravana Kumar, and senior officials also attended the launch.
Devansh Mittal is a trainee correspondent with The Indian Express. He studied political science at Ashoka University. He can be reached at devansh.mittal@expressindia.com. ... Read More
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