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BLR-198

215-Bilekhalli

Area / Length:

464 m

Main access road:

5th Cross Road, 6th Cross Road and 4th Cross Road

Nominee:

MAYAPRAXIS

Firm / Company

Partner:

​

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Activities:

Community events and festivals, Exercise (Walking / Jogging / Cycling), Playing sport or games, Relaxing, Vending, Shopping, Eating, Waiting, Socialising

Issues:

Garbage dumping, In-accessible, Encroachments, No maintenance / dirty

Importance of the site

This is a fairly dense residential area with very limited open space. 1. The space that has been identified is the only major open space and it is not well planned or designed as a public space for its stakeholders. 2. The BBMP ward office is also located in this place and is frequented by residents as it has the Bangalore ONE centre.. 3. But spaces on either side of it are under planned and need intervention to make them useful. On one side of the BBMP office was an existing children's 'park' that has been dismantled. On the other side, the old Arakere MICO bus stand has now been converted into a hard-paved plaza which not one uses. 4. As this is the main shopping hub for the neighbourhood, it has a lot of footfalls. 5. There is really no public space to sit down and meet, greet or chill. 6. On the other side, the playground is well used and has some minimal facilities. It is also being renovated. But its popular and can do well with additional facilities and well designed interventions. 7. The street connecting these open spaces and shops needs basic pedestrian friendly infrastructure. Footpaths arenarrow and not in good condition. Parking needs to be regulated. Signage and lighting needs to be upgraded.

Proposed idea / vision:

Vision: “Arakere Commons – A Connected, Caring, and Active Public Heart” Imagine Arakere’s only major open space transformed into a people-first civic commons—a safe, vibrant, and inclusive public space that invites people to linger, connect, and thrive. Rooted in the everyday life of residents, this space will no longer be a fragmented, under-planned patchwork of infrastructure—but a seamless public realm that links commerce, community, play, and governance. Key Interventions 1. Civic Placemaking Spine Create a pedestrian-oriented spine that stitches together the BBMP ward office, Bangalore ONE center, market street, children’s park site, and the playground. This spine will be: Paved with permeable, human-scaled materials Integrated with shaded seating, lighting, signage, and artistic wayfinding Designed to allow universal accessibility and safe movement for all ages 2. Reimagined Market Street Transform the market into a shared street (woonerf-style) that blends commerce, pedestrians, and slow-moving vehicles: Introduce dedicated vending bays to organize street vendors Build canopy structures with solar-powered lighting and rain protection Provide multi-use edges with steps/seating for people to rest and interact Encourage night market events to improve safety and vitality after dark 3. Reclaim the Plaza and Park Former Bus Stand Plaza: Soften the hardscape with trees, movable furniture, and a community node—a small open-air stage, book kiosk, or weekly farmer’s market Old Children’s Park Site: Rebuild it as an intergenerational play space: Natural play features, water play, sensory garden Quiet areas for senior citizens and caregivers Inclusive design for children with disabilities 4. Wellness & Recreation Upgrades The existing playground can become a wellness hub: Introduce walking/jogging loops, outdoor gym equipment, and shaded yoga decks Create gender-sensitive lighting, sightlines, and safety features to encourage women and girls to use the space freely Build drinking water, toilets, and green buffers for climate comfort 5. Streetscape Redesign To connect all the above: Widen footpaths and use continuous paving across side streets Implement regulated parallel parking zones with bollards to protect pedestrians Add street furniture, trash bins, and signage with local history/art Upgrade street lighting using energy-efficient smart poles Potential Impacts 🧍‍♀️ Inclusion & Social Cohesion 🌳 Environment & Climate Resilience ❤️ Public Health & Well-being 👮 Safety & Accessibility
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