DLF will open Mall of India in Noida, Sector 18, spread in the total built-up area of approx 27,07,575 sq.ft. and a gross leasable area of 16,00,000 sq.ft. To become operational by July 2013, it is touted as India’s first mall to offer six floors of shopping and entertainment.
According to Pushpa Bector, Mall Head and Head- Leasing and Marketing, Mall of India: “The Mall of India is a very prestigious project not just for DLF but also for India. We are positioning our mall as a microcosm of India, the way it is perceived globally – young, vibrant, progressive, deep rooted in our traditions, and yet very cosmopolitan and international. It is not just its huge size that will make it special, but also a whole range of brands and choices that it will offer to the customers. Apart from world class shopping, family entertainment, and dining, the visitors will also enjoy art and culture along with a plethora of other services which will make Mall of India a complete family and tourist destination.”
The mall will be maintained and operated by DLF, while both interior and exterior architecture is taken care by Benoy. TBD will look after landscaping, security, and parking management of the mall. The lighting will be provided by Lichtvision.
There will be 13 lifts and 68 elevators in the mall provided by Thyssen and three entry and exit points. The number of stores in the mall would approximately be 500 with 14 anchors stores. Mall of India will have a food court called “Eat Food Lounge” spread across 13,271 sq.ft. with a 1,000 seating capacity. It will also house a five-screen multiplex provided by DT Cinemas Premium, spread across 93,517 sq.ft. with a seating capacity of 1,000. There will be three-level basement parking facility and the mall is also planning to provide shuttle service providing pick and drop facility to its customers.
Talking about the location of the mall, Bector said: “Delhi is mostly saturated in terms of land availability for a project of this size. Hence moving to a satellite town, conveniently connected with the city was a natural choice. Our catchment area is huge because it starts not just from Noida and Greater Noida but also touches east along with affluent South Delhi. Noida Expressway and metro connectivity will make the accessibility easier.”
The Mall of India is a 100 percent leased mall. In the words of Bector: “The methodology will be in sync with the latest international norms of leasing, offering a customer a holistic mix of value zones, the best of indigenous brands on an exclusive floor called the ‘Indian Boulevard’ and international brands across two floors named as ‘International Chic’. Superior entertainment for kids, multifarious foodcourts and dining options, casual leasing of exciting carts and kiosks will complete the leasing cycle.” The leasing process will start in July, 2012.
The mall is said to be country’s first Gold Leed certified building, high on energy efficiency and will be positioned on the tourism map of India like its befitting counterparts – Mall of Dubai and Mall of America. The project expects a footfall of 80,000 on weekdays and 1,25,000 on weekends.
On the competition from the other huge malls in the same vicinity, Bector said: “The Mall of India owing to its well planned leasing and marketing strategy including customer sensitive services and other offering will not significantly get affected by other malls in the vicinity. However, we perceive this as healthy competition and will be glad to be a part of a large, wholesome shopping and entertainment destination which has a huge catchment and potential.”
-Priti Payal
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