Abu Dhabi: The Emke Group, an Abu Dhabi-based retailer, has unveiled the new logo of its planned Lulu Shopping Mall to be developed in Kochi in the south Indian state of Kerala.
Spread over 17 acres of land located at the intersection of National Highway 17, National Highway 47 and Cochin Bypass at Edappally, this will be one of the biggest shopping malls in the country.
Being built at an estimated cost of Rs15 billion (Dh1.25 billion), Lulu Shopping Mall has built up area of more than 2.5 million square feet in four floors.
Slated to open by mid-2011, it will house some of the best brands in fashion, cosmetics, home furnishing, jewellery and will also feature an amusement centre, multiplex, and the biggest food court.
Attractions
Leasing of space is already in full swing with many top brands already signed up.
Other attractions include a family amusement centre, a food court with a capacity of 3,500 guests, restaurants, coffee shops and a nine-screen multiplex.
The mall, designed by UK-based consultants, will have parking for 3,000 cars with easy access from all main roads.
Emke Group managing director Yousuf Ali M.A. said the mall will also have a special area to promote Kerala products and handicrafts.
The project also includes a 315-room luxury hotel by the Marriott Group, which will be adjacent to the mall, with facilities such as a spa, gym, swimming pool and banquet halls.
The new mall will create direct employment for 8,000 people and indirect job opportunities for more than 20,000 people.
V.S. Achuthanandan, Chief Minister of Kerala, unveiled the new logo at a ceremony last weekend. He handed it over to T.K.A. Nair, principal secretary to the Indian Prime Minster, in the presence of the chief guest Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade.
Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, Kerala's Minister of Home and Tourism, launched the mall's website and K.V. Thomas released the brochure.
Emke is owned by Yousuf Ali M.A., a non-resident Indian from Kerala.
Opposition leader Oommen Chandy, Fisheries Minister S. Sharma and UAE Ambassador Mohammad Sultan Abdullah Al Owais were also present at the event.
