A view of the Sunder Nursery. Water fountains and trees lead to an ornate square building topped by a dome.
AKTC
Media Source: Creative Bharat (India)
Date: 27 October 2025
India continues to face a heritage crisis of monumental proportions despite several government initiatives over the decades. Can public–private partnerships (PPPs), leveraging adaptive reuse, help revive its built legacy? Many see PPPs as key to bridging gaps in heritage conservation by mobilising private expertise, funding, and…
India continues to face a heritage crisis of monumental proportions despite several government initiatives over the decades. Can public–private partnerships (PPPs), leveraging adaptive reuse, help revive its built legacy? Many see PPPs as key to bridging gaps in heritage conservation by mobilising private expertise, funding, and technology. The restoration of Sunder Nursery in Delhi—a collaboration between the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Indian Central Public Works Department (CPWD), and the South Delhi Municipal Corporation—is often cited as a model of how such partnerships can transform neglected sites into vibrant public spaces. “India’s heritage is vast, and public funds alone cannot meet the demand,” says Dikshu Kukreja, architect and urbanist. “PPPs can bring investment, expertise, and year-round programming, but private partners need operational freedom within clear guidelines, and the ASI must ensure conservation standards.” He adds that Sunder Nursery project shows that when conservation and public benefit come first, PPPs can create world-class cultural landscapes and boost tourism.