87-Year-Old Bandra Bungalow to Transform Into a 14-Storey Tower Through Self-Redevelopment

Mumbai is no stranger to redevelopment stories, but this one stands out. For the first time, an independent bungalow in upscale Bandra is being redeveloped—not by a builder, but by the family that owns it.

The Pereira family, who have lived in Victoria Cottage since 1975, have decided to give their 87-year-old home a modern twist. Instead of handing over the plot to a developer, they are financing and managing the project themselves under Mumbai’s self-redevelopment scheme.

From Cottage to Cooperative Tower

The bungalow, originally built in 1938 by Dominic Lewis Pereira and later sold to Didacus Everest Pereira, has long been a landmark on Veronica Street. Today, Didacus’s son Vivian and his wife Myra live there, but soon, the quaint cottage will rise as a 14-storey tower.

According to project consultant Akbar Jiwani, the plan covers a 5,167 sq. ft plot that will be transformed into a 21,000 sq. ft residential complex. The building blueprint includes:

• Two basement levels and twin parking towers
• 14 residential floors with two 2BHK flats per floor (875–909 sq. ft each)
• Each unit designed with three balconies and 11-ft ceiling height (taller than the standard 9 ft, keeping the Pereira family’s love for spacious living intact)

Why Self-Redevelopment?

For decades, builders approached the family with redevelopment offers, but they always declined. “It was never a priority,” says their son, Mark. Things changed in 2018, when the Maharashtra government formally introduced the self-redevelopment scheme. By 2021, the Pereiras decided to take matters into their own hands.

Over the past year, they fine-tuned more than 20 versions of their redevelopment plan before finalizing the current design. Construction is expected to begin by 2026, with the entire project scheduled to finish in two-and-a-half years.

The Family’s Share

The Pereiras will occupy the top four floors of the new tower, moving up from their current ground-floor residence. The remaining 20 apartments will be sold—first to relatives at a discounted rate, and later in the open market under the St. Sebastian Homes Cooperative Housing Society framework.

By shifting from a small bungalow to the tower, the family will gain nearly 400% more space, ensuring a luxurious upgrade while keeping ownership firmly in their hands.

The Finances

• Construction cost: ₹4,500 per sq. ft for apartments, ₹2,200 per sq. ft for common areas
• Funding: 10% investment from the family, rest financed via a bank loan
• Revenue plan: Sale of flats to cover costs and make the project profitable

Smart Living & Sustainability

This isn’t just a vertical expansion—it’s a lifestyle upgrade. The new Victoria Cooperative Housing Society will feature:

• Smart home technology
• Solar power systems
• Rainwater harvesting
• Sewage treatment plant
• EV charging stations

“As this is a self-redevelopment project, every detail is tailored by the owners themselves,” says Jiwani, highlighting the flexibility this model provides.

A New Chapter for Victoria Cottage

By 2026, the old Pereira family bungalow will give way to a modern residential tower—one that blends heritage, ambition, and self-reliance. For Mumbai, it marks an example of how self-redevelopment can empower homeowners to take control of their property’s future.