New Delhi: The iconic Delhi Gymkhana Club, which boasts of Delhi's who's who as its members, has been asked to vacate its premises by June 5.The Land and Development Office (L&DO) under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, wrote to the secretary of the club, saying that the 27.3-acre plot in Lutyens' Delhi was required for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure".It wrote the letter on Saturday, initiating the "re-entry and resumption of premises comprising Delhi Gymkhana Club, 2, Safdarjung Road, New Delhi".As per Clause 4 of the lease deed, the premises can be re-entered, which means the government can take back the property, if it or any part of it is required for a public purpose. Prior to this communication, the L&DO had served a notice of Rs 45 crore to the club, which was challenged in court.The premises is located in a highly sensitive and strategic area and is "critically required for strengthening and securing of defence infrastructure and other vital public security purposes", the L&DO wrote in its letter. "The land is essential to fulfil urgent institutional needs, governance infrastructure, and public-interest projects, integrated with the resumption of adjoining government lands," the L&DO said, referring to the recent removal of slums from the nearby Race Course Road.The L&DO asked for the premises to be handed over on June 5, failing which "possession shall be taken in accordance with law". The Gymkhana Club has 24 lawn tennis courts, three clay courts, two swimming pools, three squash courts and rooms.According to sources, the club has been asked to vacate the premises as part of a redevelopment plan. It flanks the current residential premises of the Prime Minister. Under the redevelopment plan, the PM will move out of the current residence and the entire area will be reclaimed and redeveloped.Club Seeks alternate site, compensation for staffFollowing L&DO notice, the Club management held an internal meeting and decided to seek an alternate site nearby before vacating the premises. According to sources, there are 500 employees working at Gymkhana Club, which has 14,000 members. At the meeting, the Club decided that it will also seek compensation from the government for uprooting the club employees.