Panaji: The Corporation of the City of Panaji (CCP) has floated a proposal to redevelop Church Square, one of the capital’s most iconic public spaces, for Rs 5 crore. The plan includes heritage-sensitive paving and landscaped gardens, smart poles with CCTV, Wi-Fi, lighting, and EV charging bays.The revamp envisions a significant transformation of the square’s physical character while keeping cultural sensitivity and climate responsiveness at the centre of the design brief.Church Square, flanked by the Immaculate Conception Church, is one of the oldest and most photographed landmarks in Goa. The church square serves as a key gathering point for residents and tourists.On the structural side, the plans include pavilions and shade structures, a redesign of the central umbrella or median structure, an amphitheatre, public art plinths, small kiosks for information and ticketing, drinking water fountains, and smart poles.The civic body also plans to install high-quality natural stone or cobblestone paving inspired by local and church heritage, along with tactile paving and barrier-free access, designated parking areas, traffic-control bollards, integrated stormwater drainage, and EV charging bays.The corporation has invited consultancy proposals for the project at a fee of Rs 25 lakh (5% of the project cost). The appointed consultant will prepare the detailed project report, architectural and engineering designs, cost estimates, working drawings, and obtain technical approval from the competent authority.The civic body wants to emphasise climate-responsive greening, with local tree species, landscaped lawns, pollinator-friendly planting, seasonal flowering zones, rain gardens, and mechanisms to slow down stormwater runoff.CCP hopes these interventions will help reduce the urban heat island effect in one of Panaji’s busiest public squares. Under the Smart City Mission, Church Square was slated for revitalisation, including a proposal to pedestrianise the area.
