Restoration and refurbishment of heritage buildings in the old PWD complex along the Rua de Ourem creek, Panaji, may be completed by March 2024.
The restoration, refurbishment and interior design of the headquarters of Imagine Panaji Smart City Development (IPSCDL) project is being executed at an estimated cost of
`220 million under the Smart City Mission by IPSCDL.
Presently, IPSCDL operates from the Old Secretariat at Adil Shah Palace in Panaji. Work on this project began in December 2021 and was supposed to be completed by December this year.
However, it has been delayed due to different reasons, including minor changes made in the architectural plan on more than one occasion. When work began in 2021, heritage activists raised concerns regarding the outcome of the project.
IPSCDL said that all elements authentic to the building such as Minton tiles, teak wood panelled doors, trusses, etc, are being restored and retained as original.
A complete landscape scheme has been planned for the premises, making the site breathable, green and well-balanced with outdoor seating. Even the building’s illumination has been designed keeping in mind its subtle yet historic nature.