Jinnah House, until recently the subject of a dispute between India and Pakistan, is all set to be converted into a Southeast Asia centre.

In what is an indication of India’s growing interest in the region, the building and gardens of the heritage site, which stands opposite the Maharashtra Chief Minister’s official residence, will be developed into a centre for Southeast Asian cultural and intellectual activities.

The project is being undertaken by the Ministry of External Affairs.

The European style mansion where Pakistan’s founder Jinnah used to live during his law practice in Bombay stands on three acres of lush garden and open space. The Italian marble masonry, walnut woodwork paneling and a very personal architectural style are said to be the seal of Jinnah himself, who personally supervised the construction in the mid 1930s.

Pakistan has been laying claim to the property ever since Partition. It has been lying vacant since the mid-80s. In 2003, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations set up a regional office in a portion of the building.

During his visit to India Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf had once again asked for the building to be converted into diplomatic office. But that did not materialise and Pakistan chose an alternative site in Mumbai.

The original proposal of the Indian government was to develop the site into a SAARC centre. With the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee recently giving the nod for restoring the site and developing it into the centre, tenders have already been invited.