The work on construction of much-touted international convention centre, multiplex and a five star hotel at APIIC grounds in Harbour Park area of the city is yet to start five months after laying the foundation stone for the project.
Though a site ad measuring 3.4 acres adjoining the APIIC’s vacant land of 10 acres in the heart of the city was acquired from a function hall by giving multiple plots in posh areas as compensation in lieu of it, Abu Dhabi-based LuLu Group has not laid a single brick so far.
APIIC sources told The Hindu that the project proponent had to pay developmental charges after which an agreement would be signed with the LuLu Group. “They have already conducted a survey and we have given a letter of intent to them. Once they give bank guarantee, work is expected to start in a month or so,” an official said.
The stone for the project was laid in February by Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu in the presence of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, then Union Commerce Minister Suresh Prabhu and LuLu Group Chairman Yusuffali M.A.
In his remarks, Mr. Ali declared that they would complete the project by 2021. “It will also provide a world-class shopping experience to both tourists and the residents of the Sunrise State,” he had said at the foundation-laying ceremony performed during the CII Partnership Summit.
Project highlights
The convention centre, a long awaited demand in the State, is envisaged with a seating capacity of 7,000 with a shopping mall and a luxury hotel. The private land was acquired to give the project entry from the beach road. The total project cost is estimated at ₹2200 crore.
The shopping mall will have two million square feet. Location of a hotel in the compound is expected to convert the city into a world-class centre for Meetings, incentives, conferencing and exhibitions (MICE) tourism.
The project proponent has promised to provide 5,000 direct and another 5,000 indirect jobs once it becomes operational.
The mall is proposed to have over 200 national and international brands, two lakh sq. feet hypermarket, 11-screen multiplex, family entertainment centre and food courts with 2500 seats and over 20 food and beverage outlets and fine dining concepts.