To address the needs of a distinctive urban area, the project commenced with the triple objectives of conservation of built urban heritage, environmental development of water features and open spaces and improving the quality of life for the resident communities – whose most significant asset remained their built and living cultural heritage. In partnership with SDMC, major street improvement and waste management programmes were initiated, preceded by a community supported physical survey of streets, and infrastructure mapping of water, electricity and sewerage systems. 100% of the street network has been suitably re-paved and a majority of the sewerage network replaced. The task required significant co-ordination between the SDMC undertaking the street improvements and the Delhi Jal Board replacing sewerage lines. The revival of these ‘common spaces’ including streets and open spaces directly enhanced the cultural experience of the residents and visitors of the basti.