Lulu Mall opens in Kochi

UAE-based Lulu Group International has opened India’s biggest shopping arcade in Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala. The 2.5 million sqft Lulu Mall was inaugurated by Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy, who was accompanied by group managing director Y ussuffali M A and other dignitaries  

The three level mall, which houses the best of luxury and lifestyle brands, is spread over a 17-acre plot.  The mall’s 3,500-seater food court will serve an array of international and Indian cuisines. Spread across the mall are coffee shops and dine-in outlets. The first McDonald’s restaurant in Kerala will open at the mall next week.

Lulu Mall has set aside 22,000 sqft for its entertainment zone. A 5,000 sqft Ice Rink, a 5-D cinema hall, bowling alleys, water rides and games arcades offer diverse engagements. By April, nine cinema screens with a total capacity of 2,250 seats will open.

For visitors from outside Kochi, there is a 300-room Marriott hotel.

Designed by UK-based consultants WS Atkins, the mall has a parking facility for 3,000 cars with access from all the main roads.

The mall is expected to generate 8,000 jobs directly and more than 20,000 indirectly.