After several failed attempts to lease out its six-acre Wadala plot for an iconic tower, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) has tweaked tender conditions, which industry sources say, may help it fetch a record price when bids are opened on 29th June 2010. With a reserve price set at Rs 1,980 crore and a deferred payment schedule spread over five years with a 10% interest annually, the MMRDA’s tender has suddenly generated a lot of interest among Mumbai’s leading developers.

Till 2nd July 2010, almost a dozen real estate companies had purchased the tender document. In 2006, Reliance Industries had paid over Rs 1,100 crore for a plot (18 acres) in the BKC. So, what makes this land—which had no takers till recently—turns into hot property? Although earlier earmarked for a mixed-use tower (commercial and other use) for which not many showed any interest, the MMRDA recently said the winning bidder could now even set up an entirely residential project. Further, the authority also permitted construction of multiple towers instead of a single tall skyscraper.

“With a 100% residential potential, it would not be a surprise if it turns out be the largest land deal in the city,” claimed a builder, adding that there will be more takers for residential than commercial. The Wadala plot has a development potential of close to 60 lakh sq ft. It was initially planned as a 101-storey commercial tower, but the MMRDA had to scale it down after it found no takers, besides facing objection from the civil aviation department.

MMRDA will lease out the 25,000 sq m Wadala land for 65 years to the highest bidder. According to the tender document, the land could be used for commercial offices, business centres, shopping malls, star hotels and restaurants, entertainment centre, health, sports facilities and residential. The maximum permissible height of the building shall be subject to limitations, if any, set out from time to time by the civil aviation department. Subject to the provisions of the BMC Act, the allottee will have full discretion to organise inner spaces, both horizontally and vertically, to suit his requirements,” it said.

The plot is situated near the inter-state bus terminal in Wadala and falls along the upcoming monorail line between Jacob Circle and Chembur via Wadala and is close to the Eastern Express Highway. Firms having an annual turnover of Rs 500 crore will be allowed to participate in the auction.