BMC To Consider Residential Conversion Of Alexandra Cinema Plot

The 1,005-sq-m plot of the defunct Alexandra Cinema in Byculla-Nagpada, Mumbai, may soon be converted for residential use. The cinema, which permanently shut in 2007, has remained unused for nearly two decades.

The proposal to delete the cinema reservation and permit residential use is scheduled to come before the BMC Improvement Committee for approval on Wednesday. This move is based on a recommendation from the state Urban Development Department (UDD).

The cinema building has become severely dilapidated and structurally deteriorated, raising questions over its future use. The plot is currently reserved for a cinema under the Development Plan, but the BMC administration has proposed a change in land use following applications from the Maharashtra State Wakf Board and the plot's occupant, Rafiq Patel.

Samir Gulamnabi Kazi, representing the Wakf Board, approached then Urban Development Minister Eknath Shinde on February 25, 2026, seeking deletion of the cinema reservation. Separately, Rafiq Patel submitted an application to the BMC Development Planning Department on March 27, 2026.

The BMC prepared its report and recommendations on April 6, 2026, with the prior approval of the Municipal Commissioner. If approved, the proposal could pave the way for residential development on the strategically located plot, ending its nearly century-old association with cinema use.

The closure of Alexandra Cinema is a testament to the struggles faced by old single-screen theatres in Mumbai. The rapid expansion of multiplexes and changing viewing preferences have made it difficult for these theatres to remain viable.

The proposed conversion of the plot for residential use may provide a new lease of life to the area. However, it also marks the end of an era for cinema-goers in Mumbai who fondly remember the old single-screen theatres.

The BMC's decision on the proposal is eagerly awaited, and it will be interesting to see how the plot is redeveloped in the future.

The conversion of the plot for residential use may have significant implications for the area, including increased housing options and potential changes to the local infrastructure.

In conclusion, the proposed conversion of the Alexandra Cinema plot for residential use is a significant development that may change the face of the Byculla-Nagpada area. While it marks the end of an era for cinema-goers, it may also provide a new beginning for the area's residents and developers.