A decommissioned colonial‑era chapel in Khandala is set to reopen on January 30 as a vibrant cultural hub for Mumbai artists, turning a 200‑year‑old black basalt structure into a living stage for music, spoken word and theatre. The transformation, led by the Kotak family and architect Adil Dholakia of Five Cross Architects, marks a bold revival of heritage and creative space in the Sahyadri Hills.
Background / Context
For six decades the chapel, built in the mid‑19th century in Gothic Revival style, stood silent between the hills of Khandala and the bustling city of Mumbai. Its pointed arches, five buttresses and stained‑glass windows once echoed with prayers, but the building had been unused since the 1970s. The Kotak family, who acquired the property in 1973, saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the space, aligning with a growing trend of heritage‑based cultural projects across India.
“We don’t own the property,” says Kamini Kotak, the family’s matriarch. “The property owns us.” Her statement underscores a philosophy of stewardship rather than ownership, a sentiment echoed by conservation architect Vikas Dilawari, who has restored the chapel twice before. The revival comes at a time when Mumbai’s cultural scene is craving authentic, non‑commercial venues that offer artists a place to create and collaborate away from the selfie‑culture that dominates many contemporary spaces.
Key Developments
The restoration, completed between September and December 2025, followed a conservation‑first approach. Over 70 % of the 2,500‑sq‑ft structure was repaired using salvaged stone, timber and Mangalore tiles, reducing the carbon footprint and preserving the chapel’s original character. Only the octagonal vestry required new materials, and all modern interventions—electrical wiring, climate control, lighting—were designed to be reversible, ensuring future generations can restore the building to its original state if desired.
Key features of the newly minted cultural space, now named Abbey 301, include:
- Reversible electrical and HVAC systems that maintain the building’s historic integrity.
- A wooden stage deck that can be rotated to face either the nave or the vestry, offering flexible performance configurations.
- State‑of‑the‑art sound and lighting rigs that respect the acoustic qualities of the basalt walls.
- Fire safety upgrades, including sprinklers and fire extinguishers, compliant with modern safety codes.
- Stained‑glass windows replicated from a Scottish chapel, preserving the Gothic aesthetic.
On opening day, the venue will host performances by musician Nikhil D’Souza, lyricist Kausar Munir, the Sanjay Divecha Trio and bansuri maestro Rakesh Chaurasia. Beyond public shows, Abbey 301 will offer rehearsal rooms, artist residencies and closed‑door workshops, positioning itself as a comprehensive creative ecosystem.
Creative director Pushan Kripalani, co‑founder of Abbey 301, recalls a trial event last year that drew nearly three times the expected audience. “The moment we tested the space, we realised how starved the area was for cultural activity that wasn’t about selfies,” he says. “Artists are eager. They ask just two questions: When can we play here? And can I write for the venue?”
Impact Analysis
The revival of the Khandala cultural space has ripple effects across several stakeholder groups:
- Artists and performers gain a dedicated venue that offers acoustic excellence and flexible staging, reducing the need to travel to congested city venues.
- Students and educators in Mumbai and Pune can use the space for workshops, internships and live‑performance labs, bridging theory and practice.
- Local communities benefit from increased footfall, tourism and cultural engagement, fostering a sense of pride and ownership.
- Heritage conservationists see a successful model of adaptive reuse that balances preservation with contemporary utility.
For students, especially those studying music, theatre, or cultural management, Abbey 301 offers a living laboratory. The venue’s reversible design ensures that future students can study the restoration process firsthand, while the residency programs provide mentorship from seasoned artists.
Expert Insights / Tips
Conservation architect Vikas Dilawari advises that heritage projects should prioritize “repair over replacement.” He notes that using locally sourced materials not only preserves authenticity but also supports regional economies.
Artist and producer Xerxes Unvala recommends that emerging performers schedule rehearsals early in the week to avoid peak traffic times. “The venue’s acoustics are superb, but the surrounding hills can be noisy on weekends,” he says.
For students planning to apply for residencies at Abbey 301, here are practical tips:
- Prepare a concise portfolio that showcases your work and how it aligns with the venue’s mission.
- Highlight any experience with heritage or adaptive‑reuse projects; this demonstrates sensitivity to the space’s history.
- Engage with the community by attending open‑mic nights or workshops before applying.
- Leverage the venue’s social media channels to build a following and demonstrate audience engagement.
Looking Ahead
Abbey 301 is poised to become a cornerstone of the Mumbai‑Pune cultural corridor. The venue’s success could inspire similar projects in other heritage sites across Maharashtra, turning neglected structures into hubs of creativity. Plans are already underway to host an outdoor exhibition of 32 ceramic works by artist G Reghu, further integrating visual arts into the space’s programming.
Long‑term, the Khandala cultural space could serve as a model for sustainable cultural development, blending heritage preservation with contemporary artistic needs. As more artists flock to the venue, the local economy will benefit from increased tourism, hospitality services and cultural tourism packages.
In the coming months, the Kotak family and the Abbey 301 team will monitor visitor feedback and adjust programming to ensure the space remains responsive to the evolving needs of artists and audiences alike.
Reach out to us for personalized consultation based on your specific requirements.
