The plan to transform the historic Sassoon Docks into a restaurant hub throws up countless possibilities
It’s fascinating how the sea is at the centre of this bit of news; it immediately jogs the mind to the historic arrival, centuries ago, when Jewish entrepreneur-philanthropist David Sassoon set sail for Bombay riding on enterprise and vision.
Last week, news reports resurfaced about Sassoon Docks. One of the city’s oldest docks, built in memory of the visionary, will throw open its space to restaurants. According to the Mumbai Port Trust, four buildings will be leased on long-term basis. The intent, officials at the MbPT cited, was part of a larger idea to develop the area as a tourist destination, especially the waterfront. A huge makeover is on the cards, apparently, and will include a host of visitor-friendly activities. This is in stark contrast to the present state of the landmark and its environs. Mostly shunned because of the overwhelming stench emanating from it being a hotbed for the fishing industry, it will be interesting to see how planners, the authorities and players in this revamp attempt to woo Mumbaikars and tourists to this northernmost part of SoBo.
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The area has hardly ever been tapped into for any tourist-driven activity; which is such a shame. Here lies a fantastic opportunity to make the most of this plan, once executed, of course. This historically rich area is dotted with treasures — Afghan Church, RC Church, the quiet, quaint tree-lined sections off Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, charmingly sounding addresses like Somerset House, Windy Hall Lane and the like. With the creation of the Sassoon Docks waterfront, we hope that it will also showcase the area as a heritage neighbourhood that can be etched on the city’s tourist map.
Singapore’s Clark Quay comes to mind — A trippy sea-fronting precinct that salutes the old and new in an aesthetically sensitive manner. Throughout this stretch, we noticed how the young nation’s planners ensured that its history was showcased across plaques and foyers. We recall another example, at Ferry Building in Auckland. One of the buzzing port city’s oldest structures has been magically transformed from an abandoned maritime building into a must-stop address that is home to some of the country’s top restaurants and bars, all with stunning vista views of the seafront. The intent, we realised, was not to merely soak in the sea but to also celebrate local produce, and the country’s maritime history. Both were served up, and how.
We’re thinking, this would be an opportune time to also root for a maritime museum for Mumbai. One of the world’s oldest and best natural harbours, with seafaring ties that date back centuries, cannot boast of a space to celebrate this legacy. Sigh. And what a better setting than the dock to fructify it, right?
Now, for some much-needed enterprise to propel this ambitious plan into reality. Sassoon must be smiling from up there.
mid-day’s Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city’s sights, sounds, smells and stones...wherever the ink and the inclination takes her. She tweets @bombayana. Send your feedback to mailbag@mid-day.com
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