Unlocking Potential: Exploring Underutlized Spaces Through the Case of Yashwant Stadium

This thesis explores the revival and repurposing of underutilized or defunct public buildings, with a focus on large-scale infrastructure that holds latent potential for urban regeneration. Many of these buildings, rich in historical significance and collective memory, have deteriorated due to prolonged neglect, rendering them unsafe and underused. This study centers on Nagpur, a rapidly developing tier-2 city in Maharashtra, India, examining the factors that lead to the disrepair and disuse of such assets and assessing the impact on the city’s economic and social landscape. Key case studies include an abandoned stadium, a bus depot in disrepair, and a neglected wholesale market, each embodying substantial but unrealized value for urban renewal. The research investigates potential solutions for these defunct structures, evaluating the feasibility of adaptive reuse versus complete redevelopment. While repurposing through retrofitting could provide economic and social benefits, financial viability remains a concern. Conversely, demolition and redevelopment may present fresh opportunities but come with high costs and the risk of erasing historic value. Beyond immediate solutions, this thesis advocates for proactive approaches to infrastructure health, emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring to prevent future disuse. Informed by these findings, the research proposes a forward-looking framework to protect urban infrastructure and reduce the occurrence of “dead zones” in cities. This demonstration will aim to contribute to sustainable urban planning strategies that will retain the vibrancy of urban landscapes, ensuring that valuable public spaces can evolve to meet modern needs without forfeiting their historical and cultural importance.