Join Hands to Revive Underutilized Public Spaces Across Bengaluru
Bengaluru, June 9:
The BBMP has initiated a new approach to identify and revamp public spaces across the city, said Chief Engineer from the Roads and Infrastructure Division.
“Citizens who care about public areas within the BBMP limits, as well as architects and urban designers, are invited to participate in this initiative,” said the Chief Engineer. “The experience and expertise of participants are invaluable, and community feedback plays a crucial role in improving public spaces effectively.”
Bayasidaanthe Bayalu is not just a planning process but a collaborative pathway. Citizens are encouraged to identify underused areas in their streets and neighborhoods, so these can be transformed into inviting, functional public spaces through thoughtful design.
New Initiative by BBMP: Submit Applications by June 19, 2025
BBMP has launched a new initiative to rejuvenate public spaces in Bengaluru. Citizens are invited to participate by identifying underutilized public areas in and around their neighborhoods. Community groups, architects, urban designers, and academic institutions with relevant design expertise are encouraged to submit proposals through the website (https://www.blrpublicspace-revival.in/)by June 19, 2025.
Recognizing the significant social, cultural, and economic role of public spaces in urban life, this initiative shifts focus from traditional parks and lakes to overlooked everyday public areas in our streets to spaces essential – vibrant neighborhood life.
The program classifies public spaces into four key categories for revitalization:
Four Major Types of Public Spaces Identified for Revitalization:
1. Community Spaces – Areas used for rest, gatherings, or religious purposes (e.g., courtyards, open grounds, street corners).
2. Underutilized Spaces– Areas under flyovers/metro lines, edges of parks, lakes, or stormwater drains; often adjacent to public infrastructure yet neglected.
3. Multi-functional Streets – Streets serving multiple uses such as food streets, markets, walkways, and school zones.
4. Transport and Transit Spaces – Bus stops, metro stations, traffic islands, pedestrian overpasses/underpasses, etc.
Identified public spaces will be evaluated based on feasibility and impact. Selected locations will be included in a citywide database of underutilized areas, with some prioritized for redevelopment by BBMP over the next five years.
The improved spaces must benefit the public—especially those who live, work, or travel nearby. Design goals may include enhancing safety, enabling community interaction, providing leisure and play areas, supporting walking and cycling, managing heat and flooding, and ensuring accessibility for women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
This initiative is coordinated by BBMP in collaboration with IUDI Karnataka Chapter, Sustainable Mobility Network, and Bengaluru Ward Committee Balaga.
Participate Now. Identify a Public Space in Your Area. Be Part of Shaping the Future of Bengaluru’s Streets.
Project Website – https://www.blrpublicspace-revival.in/