Always referred to as Mumbai’s first business district, to many Mumbaikars who have little or nothing to do with this part of SoBo, Ballard Estate exudes a certain aloofness and exclusivity that doesn’t draw interest, let alone enthusiasm to make a trip to soak in its sights around tree-lined broad roads. The estate’s commercial establishments — many reminders of our colonial and seafaring past — and a culinary landmark (Britannia & Co) are how we have come to define the sub-precinct.

A few months back, when the Mumbai Port Trust had decided to organise a weekend festival at Ballard Estate, it was welcomed by many who felt that the area was underutilized, and opening it for a community event would mean exposure to this quaint, lesser-seen side of vintage Mumbai. Constructed between 1918 and 1924 on land owned by Bombay Port Trust, it was designed by architect George Wittet, who had earned acclaim for his plans for Gateway of India and the Prince of Wales Museum (now CSMVS). It was developed as an office district on land reclaimed from the sea. The visionary Wittet was inspired to replicate business districts from late 19th century London. The end result — a beautiful harmony of buildings, basalt stone facades, and landmarks at junctions lined by wide open spaces and shaded sidewalks. It was named after Colonel JA Ballard, the first chairman of the Bombay Port Trust.