A mall like no other
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The shopping mall that is coming up at Edappally will be spread over 20 lakh square feet.
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BIG: A rendering of the proposed shopping mall and hotel complex.
More than 300 national and international brands of jewellery, electronics, lifestyle, home furnishing, furniture and footwear products and bookshops will be available at what the Lulu International Shopping Mall Group calls the biggest shopping mall in India — coming up at Edappally in Kochi.
Promising a different shopping experience, with facilities and service comparable to the best in the world, Yusuffali M.A., managing director of Lulu, said at a press conference in Kochi earlier this week that the shopping mall would be a landmark — not just for shopping but also for wholesome entertainment for the family and a destination spot for tourists arriving in Kochi, whose numbers were expected to touch 25 lakh.
Describing the mall’s features, Mr. Ali said the 17 acres of land being developed would house a hypermarket, a play area for children, seven theatre multiplexes, food courts and more amusement options. It would be a holiday destination for a family seeking recreation — be it watching films or having food outside or simply spending some time away from home and work.
The growing cosmopolitan culture of Kochi will find an engaging array of options when it comes to food and beverages as 18 outlets of coffee shops will function in the 50,000-sq.ft food court area, besides six fine-dining restaurants.
Work is progressing on the site located at the intersection of National highways 47 and 17 crossing the city.
Besides the 20 lakh sq.ft area of the shopping mall, the project has a 300-room five-star hotel to be managed by the internationally known Marriot chain of hotels.
A commercial tower for the aviation industry will be part of the project that will house the offices of all airlines operating from the city. Most airlines have agreed in principle about setting up office here if the space provided is to their liking, Mr. Ali said. The project involves a total investment of Rs. 1,200 crore.
The hypermarket, designed by W.S. Atkins of the U.K., will include a central atrium with translucent roofs, fountains, vertical circulation from the basement upwards with travallators and huge elevators, easy access and exit and spacious indoor walkways.
The mall will be made up of the ground, first and second floors and the basement. The most attractive part of the project is the parking areas for 3,000 cars, Mr. Ali said. As many as 1,500 cars can be parked in the basement and an equal number above.
He emphasised the need for good infrastructure to attract more investments, and said the government should take the lead in providing it. Mr. Ali, who is the managing director of Emke Group, a business group in the Gulf, said the project would give direct employment to over 6,000 people and indirect employment to 20,000.
The project has got all clearances, especially the environment clearance, he said. It is set to be completed by December 2010.
Mr. Ali said the group plans to set up hypermarkets in other parts of the country too. The group, with a turnover of over Rs. 4,000 crore worldwide, has 70 shopping centres and malls in the Gulf.
As part of the project here, the company is planning to organise a training course for retail marketing that is coming up as a major employment option the world over.
Unfortunately, there are not enough trained people to seek employment, he said. The course will help the candidates get on-the-job training.
SHYAMA RAJAGOPAL
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