Panaji: The Goa State Urban Development Agency (GSUDA) has initiated a fresh exercise to redevelop the 118-year-old Margao municipal council building, with plans to incorporate green building norms, modern amenities and barrier-free access for persons with disabilities.GSUDA is scouting for a consultant to prepare preliminary architectural drawings, including proposed interior layouts, and a detailed project report outlining the redevelopment concept, estimated costs, parking arrangements and timeline for completion.Officials said special emphasis would be placed on ensuring a barrier-free environment for persons with disabilities while preparing the designs. The agency also wants to incorporate green building norms to the maximum extent possible while upgrading the building’s facilities.This is GSUDA’s second attempt to take up the redevelopment of the structure. In October 2025, the agency had proposed a facelift estimated to cost Rs 9 crore.Over the years, the historic building has suffered neglect and poor maintenance. Creepers and vegetation caused considerable damage, while large sections of lime plaster peeled off, exposing the stone masonry underneath. The building remained unpainted for more than a decade before it was finally restored to its original brick-red terracotta colour.The last major renovation was carried out around two decades ago, ahead of the building’s centenary celebrations.Inaugurated on April 30, 1905, the structure was built by Caetano Camilo da Silva after its foundation stone was laid on Sept 27, 1902. Its construction was funded through heavy taxes imposed on the people of Salcete by the then governor.
