KOCHI: The Cochin Port Trust has decided to invite expressions of interest (EoI) for designing a world-class cruise terminal and a public facility for entertainment and shopping.

The facility will come up on the northern end of Willingdon Island and will have two components: a cruise jetty of about 200-metre quay length in continuation of the existing 917-metre Ernakulam wharf and a cruise terminal complex, which will also house a multi-purpose public plaza.

The project is likely to be taken up with private participation. To make it financially viable, the port intends to make a part of the cruise terminal complex accessible to the public, with a range of facilities, such as restaurants, food courts, entertainment and recreation centres, general and specialised shopping malls, centres for culture and arts, health and Ayurveda facilities as well as business, trade, trade exhibition and conference facilities, said a press release from the trust.

The port hopes to have a "highly visible iconic structure" that will showcase and promote Kerala's traditions, culture, art forms, cuisine and ethnic produce.

The project will be built with an eye on the environment and will take into consideration the unique character of the island, said the press release. Nearly 4.8 hectares of prime waterfront property has been earmarked for the project.

The trust will appoint a consultant to visualise the entire project and the cruise terminal complex as well as prepare a feasibility report and a business plan. The trust expects that the world-class facility will add to Kochi's growing charm, which has attracted a lot of cruise vessels to the port.

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