A year from now, and mall culture will make a giant leap in the city.
Opening by mid-2011 will be Lulu International Shopping Mall, claimed to be the biggest in the country. Spread over 17 acres of prime land strategically located at the interjection of National Highways 17 and 47 at Edappally near the Cochin bypass, the mall when completed would have an investment of Rs. 1,500 crore.
Most importantly, once completed, the project will create 8,000 direct job opportunities in addition to creating 20,000-odd indirect jobs.
It will have a massive 25 lakh sq.ft built-up space.
The four floors of the mall will feature some of the best brands in fashion, cosmetics, home furnishing and jewellery.
The expansive ground floor will have one lakh sq.ft-hypermarket, and another two lakh sq.ft devoted to fashion garments, cosmetics and coffee shops and common area.
The first floor will have a Lulu departments store with an expanse of one lakh sq.ft.
It will have the choicest of brands in electronics and home appliances and home furnishing to choose from. Another two lakh sq.ft will be devoted to jewellery, kids wear, Indian and ethnic wear in addition to restaurants.
The second floor will be the entertainment hub, the highlight being the biggest amusement centre with computer games, rides, ice rink and bowling alleys.
There will also be space to choose sports stores, books and toys.
The top floor will feature the biggest food court with 18 multi-cuisine outlets with a seating capacity of over 3,500. This floor will also house the nine-screen multiplex with most modern facilities.
Leasing of the space in the mall is already in full swing with many top brands already signing up.
The mall being designed by a renowned U.K.-based consultant will have a parking facility for 3,000 cars with easy access from all main roads.
It will also have dedicated areas to promote traditional products and handicrafts of Kerala, said M.A. Yusuffali, managing director of EMKE Group and Lulu International Shopping Mall.
Adjacent to the mall will be a 315-room luxury hotel by the leading Marriott Group. , complete with top class facilities like spa, gym, swimming pool and banquet halls
