Le Press Galleria: A Labour of Love and an Ode to the Legacy of Munshi Newal Kishore

Banyan Tress courtyard drop off

About 150 years ago, in the 1870s, these premises buzzed with activity and ingenuity. Long before the advent of electricity, steam-powered machines hummed rhythmically, driving an intricate network of presses that printed countless books. Skilled craftsmen meticulously set types by hand, carefully arranging letters with precision. Molten lead was expertly handled, melted, and cast into typefaces, each character painstakingly crafted to ensure perfect clarity on the printed page. In adjacent workshops, lithographic stones were intricately etched by artisans whose remarkable skills brought illustrations and text vividly to life. It was a hub of intellectual energy, creativity, and craftsmanship—a place where ideas flowed freely, shaping cultural discourse across the region.

Since 1999, these venerable structures had provided safe and comfortable accommodations for students, symbolizing continuity and care in a rapidly modernizing city. However, the global pandemic in 2019 led to the hostel's closure, prompting reflection on the site's future.

This reflection was not merely practical but philosophical—a contemplation on the tension between heritage preservation and contemporary urban pressures. In the 1980s, other family members inheriting different parts of the press had already succumbed to the pressures of modernization, demolishing their shares and irreparably damaging a legacy that could never be reclaimed. Determined not to let history repeat itself, Rani Nita Dube and her immediate family, guided by courage, conviction, and profound respect for their heritage, chose instead a path less travelled—a path of cultural resilience.

In 2019, a comprehensive masterplan was prepared, embracing sustainability and adaptive reuse as fundamental principles. Every building and historical feature underwent rigorous inspection and documentation, reaffirming their intrinsic value beyond mere bricks and mortar. Initially, five rooms underwent restoration, utilizing eco-friendly methods and locally sourced materials. Their breathtaking revival underscored the inherent value of preservation over demolition and set a new benchmark for sustainable urban development.

This early success inspired a phased revitalization strategy, bravely confronting commercial pressures with a bold cultural vision that prioritized ecological responsibility. The project became a compelling model of how sustainability, heritage, and modern commerce could coexist harmoniously.

This vision materialized in three thoughtful phases: the first phase established 10 stores and 2 cafes; the second phase mirrored this with an additional 10 stores, 2 cafes, and a museum dedicated to Munshi Newal Kishore. This museum was envisioned as the heart of the project, embedding historical consciousness within a modern marketplace, ensuring commerce and culture coexisted in meaningful harmony.

The instantaneous commercial success of Le Press Galleria Mall served as powerful validation of thoughtful design and sustainability principles, reflecting Lucknow city’s deep-rooted affection for preserving its rich historical fabric. This thriving commercial and cultural hub demonstrated unequivocally that embracing heritage through adaptive reuse not only makes profound cultural sense but also yields substantial economic returns.

The courageous leadership of Rani Nita Dube, the great-great-granddaughter of Munshi Newal Kishore and the project's chief promoter, was pivotal. Her unwavering commitment to heritage, supported by her elder daughter Rajika Thareja, son-in-law Rajat Thareja, Architect Pragalbha Khare, and K.P. Architects, reinforced a collective resolve against cultural erasure, a phenomenon painfully prevalent in contemporary urban India.

Gaurav's architectural vision was enriched profoundly by Aprajita Dube’s exceptional landscaping talents, seamlessly integrating natural beauty with architectural restoration. Her gardens symbolized renewal and growth, reinforcing the site's rejuvenation as a beacon of cultural continuity amidst urban transformation.

Extensive historical research, meticulous documentation, and collaborative workshops with historians, urban planners, and local communities safeguarded authenticity while skilfully guiding the redevelopment. The resulting Le Press Galleria Mall stands not just as a vibrant design district but as an eloquent statement against cultural erasure—a philosophical testament to preserving identity, sustainability, and history in the face of relentless modernization.

Today, Le Press Galleria Mall represents a dynamic synergy of art, culture, fashion, and gastronomy—a landmark that not only honours Lucknow's storied past but courageously charts a meaningful path toward its enlightened and sustainable future.