Acropolis, Kolkata’s largest commercial complex comprising a mall, a multiplex, offices and a club, recently threw open its doors for the public. Spread over a sprawling 10 lakh sq. ft (approx) area, Acropolis is located at Rash Behari Connector, close to E.M. Bypass, which is expected to be the next Chowringhee of the city.
The project is constructed as a PPP venture between Merlin Group and Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA).
Kolkata, which till some years ago had only one modern shopping centre — Forum mall — has now emerged as the new hotspot for retail. Its latest edition, the Acropolis mall is spread across four floors and covers 3 lakh sq.ft with parking space for 700 cars over three basement levels. Shoppers Stop spread across 50,000 sq ft and Mexican multiplex chain Cinepolis, which occupies 35,000 sq ft, are the anchors of the mall.
Acropolis is estimated to be contributing INR 150 crore yearly as revenue contributions towards VAT, service tax and entertainment taxes to the state. The project is estimated to generate total direct employment for 6000 people, the company said in an official release.
“Acropolis will create an exemplary benchmark and will symbolise urban infrastructure development in West Bengal. In India where the retail industry contributes around 10% of the GDP, it is imperative that more such organised retail outlets are encouraged across the country. India’s retail market is expected to nearly double to USD 1 trillion by 2020 from USD600 billion in 2015 driven by income growth, urbanization and attitudinal shifts,” Sushil Mohta, managing director of Merlin Group said.
Some of the apparel brands present are Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, Peter England, Jack & Jones, Vero Moda, Only, Marks & Spencer, Being Human, Turtle, Celio, 109F, W, UCB, Levi’s, among others. Puma, Adidas, Woodland make up sportswear. The Body Shop, Parcos, Colorbar and Marks & Spencer L&B make up the beauty section. Accessories include Sunglass Hut, Baggit, World of Titan, Addons and Wildcraft.
The third floor has a 450-seater food court spread across 15,000sq ft.
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