Kochi: One of the largest malls in India – LuLu Mall was inaugurated by Shri. Oommen Chandy at a glittering function held in Kochi. The CM inaugurated the mall and also unveiled a plaque to commemorate the grand opening. Leader of Opposition, Shri. V. S. Achuthanandan was the chief guest of the event. Shri. Vayalar Ravi, Union Minister and Shaikh Abdulla Al Saleh, UAE Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade were the Guests of Honour.
Union Minister Prof. K. V. Thomas launched the LuLu loyalty card, state minister P. K. KunhaliKutty launched LuLu Mall website, and TKA Nair, Advisor to the Prime Minister launched a mall guide on the occasion. The opening ceremony was also attended by leaders of various political parties, government officials and the enthusiastic Kochi crowd. LuLu group managing director Yusuff Ali MA welcomed the gathering and Executive Director Ashraf Ali MA rendered the vote of thanks.
After the inauguration, Oommen Chandy, VS Achuthanandan, Shaikh Abdulla Al Saleh, Vayalar Ravi, Prof. KV Thomas and other dignitaries toured various sections of the newly-built mall and congratulated the group Managing Director Yusuff Ali MA on the successful completion of the mall.
LuLu Mall is a 2.5 million (25 lakhs) sq. ft complex in 17 acres and spread over three levels. The mall is complete with a full line of amenities and facilities which include the best of international brands of luxury and life style, a well-appointed food court that serves international cuisines, coffee shops, money exchange, dine-in outlets, a 22,000 sq. ft entertainment zone, a 5,000 sq. ft Ice Rink that’s the first of its kind in South India, prayer halls, and baby care centre among other facilities.
The shopping mall which was built on an investment of INR 1,600 Crore is expected to become the most sought-after family shopping destination of residents and tourists. The mall designed by WS Atkins, UK based consultants, has a parking capacity for 3000 cars with easy access from all the main roads. Well placed escalators, elevators, travelators and walkways make it easy for shoppers, diners, and fun lovers to get from one point of the mall to another.
Located at Edapally, Kochi at the intersection of three important highways of Kerala: NH 47, NH 17 and the Kochi by-pass; the mall is within easy reach from almost all landmarks and prominent facilities such as health centers and accommodation options. Further, almost all transport facilities are close by, including the Cochin International Airport and railway station. Also within the mall’s expansive campus is The Marriott - a magnificent 300-room hotel that caters to the accommodation needs of visitors and tourists in God’s own country.
The mall will feature the widest choice of world-class brands at the fairest prices. A special area has been allocated to promote Kerala products and handicrafts. The mall will generate 8000 direct jobs and more than 20,000 indirect job opportunities. LuLu's winning formula of value for money quality shopping will be a matter of delight for the residents of Kochi.
LuLu Hypermarket, LuLu Celebrate, LuLu Connect, Westside, PVR Cinemas are the anchor stores of the mall. Nine cinema screens with a total capacity of 2,250 seats will be opened in the mall by early April. Inside the mall, there is a food court with a capacity for 3500 people and 18 food counters. The first Mac Donald Restaurant in Kerala has also been opened at LuLu Mall. The mall has a 5-D cinema hall, bowling alleys, water rides and electronic games. The other facilities include ATM, money exchange counters, pharmacy, travel and holiday desk and a Federal Bank branch.
