Central Municipal Office Building… A Journey Through The Ages

Central Municipal Office Building… then

In 1948 the office of the Municipal Commissioner was located at 11 Esplanade Row. The building was procured at a monthly lease of Rs 300. Even after a change in office premises, the space seemed inadequate due to the growing requirements of the Corporation. In fact, the various stores were scattered at different places like the Chandpal Ghat, Bonded Warehouse, Beliaghata and one at even Kotrung Depots.

In 1860, the Central Municipal Office Building was shifted to the spacious premises at 1 Chowringhee Road — that had a large compound along with ‘out offices’ — for a monthly rent of Rs 500. This arrangement seemed adequate till 1872 when it was resolved to construct an exclusive Central Municipal Office Building at a cost of about Rs 1 Lakh except the site value.

The Municipal Office buidling were designed by Mr Osmond of Messrs Mackintosh, Burn and Company at a cost of Rs 1,91,000 including Rs 65,000 for the land. Between 1885-86 the Central Municipal Office building was expanded at an expense of Rs 22,000 and in 1901 it was fully remodelled. The total cost amounted to Rs 5,90,000.

Presently the total area under Central Municipal Office Building is 6 Bigha 16 Cottah and 4 Chhatak.

Central Municipal Office Building… now