For Indian commoners, it’s a shopping paradise, the ultimate hangout and the favourite food haven. For non-Indians, it’s a must-visit destination. And for retailers, it’s the dream workplace to be at. We are talking about Connaught Place, fondly known as CP.

Photo Credit:Deepak Chandok

Many of you would be already familiar with CP, which is also a fine example of Georgian architecture situated at the center of the capital city of India, New Delhi. But, there are definitely a few things you probably never knew about Connaught Place.

The origin

Architect Robert Tor Russell designed Connaught Place which was named after the Duke of Connaught. The construction went on for about 4 years from 1929 to 1933. It was made to serve the elite living in Delhi, especially in areas designed by the architect Edwin Lutyens, now known as the Lutyens Bungalow Zone (LBZ).

The architecture of CP is inspired from the Royal Crescent in Bath with the only difference being that the latter is semi-circular and three-storied.

Photo Credit:Deepak Chandok

The touch of modernity

While CP is one of the busiest commercial streets of India, it is also a shopper’s paradise. There are hundreds of shops in the entire area. It also boasts of India’s first underground and air-conditioned market, Palika Bazaar.

The cost of owning it

The location surely has a tinge of grandeur, with the costs too matching up to it. CP is one of the most expensive commercial markets not only across India but also the world. The annual rent here is more than Rs. 9,000 per sq. ft.

Reports have indicated that CP stands amongst the top ten expensive markets around the world. At one point, it even beat up-market locations such as Midtown Manhattan, New York and Central London.

Photo Credit:Deepak Chandok

The never-ending redevelopment

After almost 70 years of its existence, CP’s structure had lost its sheen. There was a need to redevelop and refurbish it. Conceived in 2005, the redevelopment plan was to cost about Rs. 80 crores and finish by 2010 when Commonwealth Games were held in Delhi. Unfortunately, the project stretched until 2013, broke about 20 deadlines and cost about Rs. 671 crores.

Photo Credit:Deepak Chandok

Do you know of any other interesting facts about Connaught Place? Tell us by commenting below.

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