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Arul Murugan July 7th, 2008, 08:21 AM Ampa Mall - PH road http://www.ampa.co.in/ampamall/images/img_center1.jpg Ampa Mall will give Chennai its first truly International Mall experience. It will be located on No. 1, Nelson Manickam Road at the Poonamalee High Road junction. Ampa Housing; a company with decades of experience and several landmark projects to their credit promote the mall. The mall is uniquely positioned and offers access to some of Chennai's most affluent neighbourhoods. The mall will operate on a 'lease model'. Spread over 3 acres with a total built up area of over 6 lakh sq ft which includes 3 Lakh sq ft of retail space in the heart of the city The mall will boast of a hypermarket, three floors of retail, a seven-screen multiplex, food mall, fine dining restaurants and a 20-room boutique hotel. The parking is multi level and is with one of them providing direct access to the mall. The parking area alone is a whopping 3.15 lakh sq. feet. Two independent ramps for both up and down passages 4.6 mtrs wide, state-of-the-art parking facilities, electronic monitoring, with a fresh-air ventilated system and clear signages are also provided. Future ready design as per vasthu - perfect rectangular building with contemporary and appealing colours. The mall boasts of a frontage of 520 feet and visibility from all four sides. The mall will have Chennai's most impressive façade and will also feature state-of- the-art design and extensive landscaping http://www.ampa.co.in/ampamall/images/loc2.jpg Multiplex: An exquisitely designed thematic theatre lobby and seven screens spread over 50,000 sq. ft and a dramatic entrance through a futuristic glass capsule.
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Page 1: Complaints on Malls

Arul MuruganJuly 7th, 2008, 08:21 AMAmpa Mall - PH road

http://www.ampa.co.in/ampamall/images/img_center1.jpg

Ampa Mall will give Chennai its first truly International Mall experience. It will be located on No. 1, Nelson Manickam Road at the Poonamalee High Road junction. Ampa Housing; a company with decades of experience and several landmark projects to their credit promote the mall. The mall is uniquely positioned and offers access to some of Chennai's most affluent neighbourhoods. The mall will operate on a 'lease model'. Spread over 3 acres with a total built up area of over 6 lakh sq ft which includes 3 Lakh sq ft of retail space in the heart of the city The mall will boast of a hypermarket, three floors of retail, a seven-screen multiplex, food mall, fine dining restaurants and a 20-room boutique hotel. The parking is multi level and is with one of them providing direct access to the mall. The parking area alone is a whopping 3.15 lakh sq. feet. Two independent ramps for both up and down passages 4.6 mtrs wide, state-of-the-art parking facilities, electronic monitoring, with a fresh-air ventilated system and clear signages are also provided. Future ready design as per vasthu - perfect rectangular building with contemporary and appealing colours. The mall boasts of a frontage of 520 feet and visibility from all four sides. The mall will have Chennai's most impressive façade and will also feature state-of- the-art design and extensive landscaping

http://www.ampa.co.in/ampamall/images/loc2.jpg

Multiplex: An exquisitely designed thematic theatre lobby and seven screens spread over 50,000 sq. ft and a dramatic entrance through a futuristic glass capsule. Food Court: Spread over 25,000 sq feet is the 550 seater Food Court; with food counters serving a medley of 15 different cuisines all under one roof. Fine dining restaurants: Three signature restaurants, a coffee shop and a lounge are also available. Shopping: Three floors of retails outlets, which will bring together finest International and Indian brands. Hyper Market : Spread over 56,000 sft. the hyper market will be a one-stop shop for all. Fun Centre: Spread over 7,500 sq ft and will comprise of a Children's play area and day care Center. Hotel: Spread over 27,000 sq ft with of 20 well-appointed rooms a 5000 sft. Bar, a conference hall and an all-day dining restaurant.

Express Avenue

Page 2: Complaints on Malls

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/9205/iemallxu9.jpg

http://expressavenue.in/

A world class shopping cum entertainment complex, housing some of the biggest brands from around the world along with a five star hotel and Grade A office building.The mall promises to give Chennai a whole new dimension to work, leisure, entertainment and shopping.

For years now, Anna Salai has been the lifeline of Chennai city. Located on Anna Salai just before the landmark LIC building, Express Avenue will be the biggest shopping mall in prime Central Business District, (CBD) of Chennai. Express Avenue is a passionate project of the Express Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., a 100% subsidary of the Express Newspaper Pvt. Ltd.

Arul MuruganJuly 9th, 2008, 09:07 AM2 more malls on IT corridor

Old news

Three cheers- 3 Malls & Multiplexes under development on the OMR!By che_david August 15th, 2006 @ 8:29 PM UncategorizedAt the recent Chennai Metblogs meet, when we were exchanging notes on the city’s development, my plaintive question to everyone was, “Does anybody know of a multiplex coming up on the OMR?” No one did, nor had I heard of any such development. So I assumed that we, who live along the OMR (Old Mahabalipuram Road), were doomed to travelling long distances to watch a movie or shop.

So you can imagine my delight when today’s Economic Times informed me that (hold your breath) not only one, but three malls with multiplexes are under development on the OMR with up to 1.3 million sq feet of retail space over the next 18 to 24 months. Each of these malls will apparently have a multiplex, food courts, hyper market and anchor stores, besides entertainment areas.

The largest is a 6.1 lakh sq foot development in Navalur by the Allied Group and Arihant which will include a 160 room business hotel. This mall will have 4.7 lakh sq feet of retail space, 1.4 lakh sq feet of hospitality space and a 8 to 9 screen multiplex. So it will comprise of retail stores, several food courts and the hotel with ample car parking.

The Riverside Mall by Marg Constructions, will have 4.5 lakh sq feet and will be completed in

Page 3: Complaints on Malls

the next 18 months. Most of the space will be for retail stores and will also include a 5 screen multiplex. A hotel is likely to be added on at a later stage. The third is the Coromandel Plaza by Suryavardhan Estates with 2.5 lakh sq feet of space and a five screen multiplex, to be ready by March 2008.

According to Mr Sanjay Chugh, Head, TrammelCrow Meghraj, a leading property consultant, “All leading retail brands across India have expressed their interest to be a part of this new development on the OMR. This also applies to the established multiplex brands”.

Up to 30,000 jobs are being added along the OMR this year, and many new residential complexes are under development. This will result in a growing demand for shopping and entertainment facilities along the OMR (”Yes,yes”, says this OMR resident!), so this is welcome news indeed. Coming on the heels of the rapid development of the IT Corridor, this will further catalyze the future development of the city towards the South along the OMR.

With inputs from the Economic Times, page 5.

http://chennai.metblogs.com/2006/08/15/three-cheers-3-malls-multiplexes-under-development-on-the-omr/

MARINA GRAND MALL - ALLIED GROUP on IT Corridor

http://www.alliedhousing.com/projects/details/images/images/alliedmall_09_09.gif

Shimmering glass mega mall, that brings to Chennai a heightened experience in shopping pleasure and corporate elegance. Contemporary aesthetics, innovative state-of-the-art construction techniques, finest materials, exquisite finish and excellent amenities, the hallmark of all Allied creations, will be evident everywhere in this new Shopping Mall to be built over a sprawling 7,40,000 sq.ft.

http://www.alliedhousing.com/projects/details/alliedmall.htmlArul MuruganJuly 9th, 2008, 10:36 AMhttp://img516.imageshack.us/img516/2002/dsc01782ah1.jpg

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/8075/dsc01783jr1.jpgArul MuruganJuly 9th, 2008, 10:53 AMWith MARG, the accent has always been on world-class quality. Mall designed and developed by MARG are sure to give every visitor a truly international and memorable shopping & entertainment experience, thus ensuring its commercial success right from conception.

RIVERSIDE MALL – “INDIA’S FIRST INTERGRATED MALL, MULTIPLEX AND HOTEL”

Page 4: Complaints on Malls

The proposed Riverside mall is located at Karapakam and will be one of the biggest mall coming up on the IT Corridor of Chennai, Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR). This will be the only mall in Chennai by the side of a water body. Flanked by a serene river on one side and 3 way entry-exit facility, Riverside Mall promised to be one of the most unique malls in the country.

An integrated complex, it will feature a mall, multiplex and a business hotel. The Riverside mall will offer its customers a word-class shopping experience by bringing in the best brands. This mall will be a boon to the teeming populace expected to live and work around the area, providing easy access to shopping, entertainment and leisure activities.

A 250-room business hotel adjoining the Mall will have amenities designed for the successful business traveler. The property will have a hi- tech health club, a custom designed swimming pool, a choice of multi-cuisine restaurants and leisure zones to help the traveler unwind and stay fit.

Is the construction started?Arul MuruganJuly 9th, 2008, 11:00 AMRiverside Mall

http://www.marggroup.com/Images/content_images/Small_Images/malls.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/4546/m3fk6.bmp

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/5291/m1lv9.bmp

http://www.marggroup.com/riverside-malls.htmlArul MuruganJuly 10th, 2008, 08:52 AMMARINA GRAND MALL - ALLIED GROUP on IT Corridor

Shimmering glass mega mall, that brings to Chennai a heightened experience in shopping pleasure and corporate elegance. Contemporary aesthetics, innovative state-of-the-art construction techniques, finest materials, exquisite finish and excellent amenities, the hallmark of all Allied creations, will be evident everywhere in this new Shopping Mall to be built over a sprawling 7,40,000 sq.ft.

http://www.alliedhousing.com/projects/details/alliedmall.html

Page 5: Complaints on Malls

Construction of this mall started.

Hiranadhini and Marina mall both are in adjacent compounds and just opposite to the Siruseri IT parks.saravanainfoJuly 12th, 2008, 11:02 PMGreat Job in posting a new thread for all the Malls. Appreciate your effort in collecting all these together :)RasnaboyJuly 13th, 2008, 09:46 AMRiverside Mall

http://www.marggroup.com/Images/content_images/Small_Images/malls.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/4546/m3fk6.bmp

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/5291/m1lv9.bmp

http://www.marggroup.com/riverside-malls.html

Details:

Developers: Marg ConstructionsProject Cost: Rs. 500 croreLocation: Karapakkam, OMRTotal built-up space: 1.1 million sq.ft.Expected date of completion: Fourth quarter of 2008Multiplex: 4-screen multiplex by Fame Adlabs theatre chainAdjoining Hotel: 250-rooms Business

Source: http://propertybytes.indiaproperty.com/?p=1415RasnaboyJuly 13th, 2008, 09:50 AMMore Malls in Chennai

News found on the Internet while browsing (guess an old one):

In Chennai, an additional retail space of 81 lakh square feet spread over 20 malls has been slated for inauguration in the next three years as against the existing three malls spread across 8 lakh square feet. Retailers are targeting it on the growing cosmopolitan population of our city. International brands such as Body Shop will set foot in Chennai in the near future.

Realty majors such as Prestige Group, Shriram Properties and DLF are in the forefront of mall

Page 6: Complaints on Malls

development in the city. Prestige has drawn up plans for a second Forum mall in Chennai’s artery, Mount Road, while completing the first Rs.350-crore Forum mall at Vadapalani in collaboration with the Vijaya Group. Sources say that it will be spread over 17 lakh square feet, featuring a seven-screen multiplex, over 100 shops, two department stores and a 1,40,000 square feet hypermarket. The mall is expected to operate in the first quarter of 2010.

There are many other projects in the pipeline. ‘Ampa Centre One’ will be giving Chennai a fully international shopping experience. It will house 6.5 lakh sq. ft. of food court, hyper market (by Spencer), 20-room hotel, fine-dining restaurants and the PVR Cinemas multiplex. It is expected that McDonald would open a 5,000 square feet outlet. Allied Housing & Development is planning a seven lakh square feet mall at Sirusseri on the Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai’s IT corridor.

The Ozone Group’s 14 lakh square feet ‘Ozone Mall’ is coming up at its integrated township Metro Zone in Anna Nagar. ‘River Side’, a jumbo mall at Karapakkam near Chennai, when completed in the fourth quarter of 2008, would take up 11 lakh square feet of built-up space, including a mammoth parking area, according to industry sources. The mall is being set up at a cost of Rs 500 crore.

Source: http://www.theindiastreet.com/forum/real-estate-chennai/malls-in-chennai-growing-strongRasnaboyJuly 13th, 2008, 09:54 AMCross-posting from Chennai Discussions-II thread:

Chennai has so fewer number of malls compared to other Tier 2 and 3 cities:http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=ETCH/2008/07/13/1/Img/Pc0011500.jpg

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Client.asp?Skin=ET&Daily=ETCH&Enter=true&GZ=TArul MuruganJuly 16th, 2008, 04:28 AMGreat Job in posting a new thread for all the Malls. Appreciate your effort in collecting all these together :)

Thanks!

Rasna boy,

Thanks for your contribution. Most of the malls are under construction/planning stage. Once all the malls are completed, Chennai will have very good no. of malls!RasnaboyJuly 16th, 2008, 05:52 AM

Page 7: Complaints on Malls

Thanks!

Rasna boy,

Thanks for your contribution. Most of the malls are under construction/planning stage. Once all the malls are completed, Chennai will have very good no. of malls!

In fact, I have to thank you Arul! The credit for all these goes to you...:)karthikarthikSeptember 22nd, 2008, 03:00 PMI heard lot of news that a mall is being developed in Velacherry. Is it real or reel? any update..ferrari_fanSeptember 22nd, 2008, 03:16 PM^^ there's one being developed by the P.S. Group of Kolkata... it's coming up right next to the Sutherland building on the Velachery-Tambaram road... no idea of current status though...Arul MuruganSeptember 23rd, 2008, 02:10 PMThe Grand Chennai Mall -Velachery by PS GroupLocated in the rapidly developing area of Velachery, 5 kms before Old Mahabalipuram Road this area has all landmark buildings like the Raj Bhavan, IIT, and Tidel park, home to all the flourishing IT Companies.

With a plot area of 1,22,400 sq.ft. it has double basements for 420 car parking. Three floors exclusively dedicated shopper – holics and two floors with multiplex & food court. This building is undoubtedly an icon amongst all the regal buildings that have made their grandiose presence felt in this highly evolved and posh

http://www.chennaimetroblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/thegrandchennai.jpg

http://www.chennaimetroblogs.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/thegrandchennai1.jpg

http://www.chennaimetroblogs.com/the-grand-chennai-mall-velachery-by-ps-group/kpgopalSeptember 24th, 2008, 09:32 AMDoes anyone know the status of AMPA Mall ( On PH Road at Aminjikarai). The construction seems to have come to a standstill for the last few months.RasnaboyOctober 4th, 2008, 04:14 PMhttp://www.pssrijan.com/images/velacherymallmain.gif

Location : VelacheryTotal Area : 3.4 Lakhs Sq.ftTotal Retail Area : 2 Lakhs Sq.FtTotal Commercial Area : 30,000 Sq.ft (9 Ground Space) - G + 2Total Floor : G + 4 (Mall)Total Car Park : 450 (2 Basement)

Page 8: Complaints on Malls

Anchor West Side (G + 2)Multiplex : Cinemax (5 screen) 1300 seating capacity (3rd + 4th Floor)Food Court : 18,000 Sq.ft (4th floor + Terrace Covered)FEC : 2 (4th Floor)Sub Anchor : 3 (Ground + 1st + 2nd)Fine Dinning : 3 (3rd Floor + Terrace)RasnaboyOctober 4th, 2008, 04:15 PMhttp://www.pssrijan.com/images/vel_ele/img1_b.jpgRasnaboyOctober 4th, 2008, 04:16 PMhttp://www.pssrijan.com/images/vel_ele/img2_b.jpgRasnaboyOctober 4th, 2008, 04:18 PMhttp://www.pssrijan.com/images/commercial/velachery/vel_ele_b.jpgElango1984October 18th, 2008, 07:30 AMNew Super Market at Nelson Manickam Road, Aminjikarai has opening ceremony today.

http://www.dailythanthi.com/article.asp?NewsID=445100&disdate=10/18/2008&advt=2RasnaboyOctober 18th, 2008, 08:19 AM^^The Hindu and Businessline articles are here:

http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/16/stories/2008101653901800.htm

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2008/10/16/stories/2008101651650700.htmRasnaboyNovember 9th, 2008, 07:51 AMDoes anyone know the status of AMPA Mall ( On PH Road at Aminjikarai). The construction seems to have come to a standstill for the last few months.

An article from today's the Hindu Retail Plus...

In a couple of years say industry watchers, the average Chennaiite will need to travel just 2 kms to reach a mall!

The mall mania is just about cottoning on in cautious Chennai. Spencer's Plaza, Chennai's first prototype of a mall was at first an eyes-only temptation to the prudent Chennai shopper whose wallet has since judiciously relented, as his definition of a mall has been refashioned with the high rise of Citi Center. And yet Dr. Ramkumar, who has been associated with the real estate industry for over a decade, opines that Chennai is yet to experience a world-class mall, as... "The norm for an international mall is a spacious atrium, a choice of gaming arenas, entertainment zones, multiplexes, food courts, fine dining restaurants, ample car park and a large range of retail options."

Page 9: Complaints on Malls

There are several property players who are making a beeline to pamper Chennai with malls a la US or Dubai, but they are unable to unlock their doors and dreams owing to approval glitches. If all these proposed malls open in 2010 as per schedule, Chennaiites will not have to travel more than a few kilometers to amuse themselves as these mega structures, each measuring over a million square feet have wisely fanned themselves out evenly.

Meanwhile, Chennai can look forward to the Ampa Mall in Aminjikarai slated to open in April 2009. "We have completed 80% of the leasing. We have invited 32 retail categories that will cater to both the high end and medium segments. The first groceries and food hypermarket in Chennai by Spencer's will be in our mall, besides of course, the mall comprises of a gaming zone, a food court with 16 outlets and six restaurants that will include perhaps McDonalds and KFC. PVR Cinemas will operate the seven-screen theatre complex. A multi storied car park with 1,000 lots will ensure hassle free parking," details the management at Ampa Mall. By the way, all the other malls on the anvil too seem to hvae incorporated in their plans car parks to whistle in over 2,000 cars. The Ampa Mall will hvae a head start over Ozone Group's Metro Zone in neighbouring Anna Nagar that has also chalked out a snazzy mall within its habitat.

Even though it is raining malls, Ramkumar reminds us of the obvious theory of a recession, "...luxury spending will be the first to be hit and the last to recover." However, the CEO of Retail at the Bangalore-based Prestige Group S. Raghunandhan asserts, "Our Forum Mall in Bangalore is doing good business." The Prestige Group is constructing a mall in Vadapalani that will include office spaces and they have also procured a property on the southern stretch of Mount Road where they propose to build another mall. On the other end of Mount Road, The Express Mall situated in a large acreage of the erstwhile Indian Express compound is also eagerly awaited as it is touted as being truly global.

A few other companies in the field are subscribing to the calculated formula of mixed-use properties. "The Future Group believes in the functional logic of mix of assets, so we will have a mall, hotel and offices in our Market City in Velachery that is in the excavation stage," says Sanjeev Dasgupta, MD Future Capital Real Estate. Incidentally with Velachery being a hottie on the real estate scene in Chennai, DLF is confident that there is opportunity for them too in Velachery, whilst Marg and Hiranandani will keep the IT nerds of the OMR entertained with thier elaborately designed developments on the IT corridor.

Zip zap zoom... the mall race has begu, but do the malls bring in the bucks? The prosperity of a mall depends on how many foot falls translate into not just profitable transactions but sixeable gains. "Hence, though theatres and dine-ins in malls are popular, the profit per person in these spheres is marginal," says Ramkumar. As Raghunandhan reiterates, the benchmark of a successful mall depends on the sellouts of the commercial retain units, as only then will they retain their presence. But for this to happen, the retailers will have to bear losses initially until the mall picks momentum... it is a case of the mobile story—only those with sustaining power will be able to garner a large number of subscribers there by ensuring their efficacy in the long run.

But, as for us consumers we can have a ball at the mall—shopping or window-shopping.

Page 10: Complaints on Malls

Upcoming Malls===============

Aminjikarai - Ampa MallAnna Nagar - Ozone Group's Metro ZoneVadapalani - Prestige GroupMount Road - Prestige GroupMount Road - Express MallVelachery - Future GroupDLF - VelacheryOMR - Marg's RiversidekpgopalNovember 12th, 2008, 10:20 AMAn article from today's the Hindu Retail Plus...

In a couple of years say industry watchers, the average Chennaiite will need to travel just 2 kms to reach a mall!

Meanwhile, Chennai can look forward to the Ampa Mall in Aminjikarai slated to open in April 2009. "We have completed 80% of the leasing. We have invited 32 retail categories that will cater to both the high end and medium segments. The first groceries and food hypermarket in Chennai by Spencer's will be in our mall, besides of course, the mall comprises of a gaming zone, a food court with 16 outlets and six restaurants that will include perhaps McDonalds and KFC. PVR Cinemas will operate the seven-screen theatre complex. A multi storied car park with 1,000 lots will ensure hassle free parking," details the management at Ampa Mall. By the way, all the other malls on the anvil too seem to hvae incorporated in their plans car parks to whistle in over 2,000 cars. The Ampa Mall will hvae a head start over Ozone Group's Metro Zone in neighbouring Anna Nagar that has also chalked out a snazzy mall within its habitat.

Hope that happens. The construction site for AMPA looks like a dead building. Heard a lot of rumors including structural problems etc. - not verified though.coolmukundNovember 12th, 2008, 11:53 AMthe delay was because the developers did not get some approval from CMDA which had asked them to halt the work temporarily. so they stopped the work for about 6 months or so... because they did not want to face problems later after the mall is opened as in the case of citi center and ozone mall(coming up near koyambedu junction). but now after the second master plan has come up.....they have got the approval and now the work is in full swing. the mall site is not what is looked like a week ago. many colors have started to be seen from the building. they are also doing the interiors..... so this time april 2009 is a positive hope.kpgopalNovember 13th, 2008, 09:42 AMthe delay was because the developers did not get some approval from CMDA which had asked them to halt the work temporarily. so they stopped the work for about 6 months or so... because they did not want to face problems later after the mall is opened as in the case of citi center and

Page 11: Complaints on Malls

ozone mall(coming up near koyambedu junction). but now after the second master plan has come up.....they have got the approval and now the work is in full swing. the mall site is not what is looked like a week ago. many colors have started to be seen from the building. they are also doing the interiors..... so this time april 2009 is a positive hope.

Thanks for the clarification !!!Elango1984November 20th, 2008, 09:30 AMPVP Ventures, today, November 20, announced that its arm PVP Screens (P), has concluded the sale of its multiplex theatre property at Chennai by the way of public auction for Rs 212.50 million.

The auction price also included the sale of land admeasuring about 16 grounds, together with building under construction, fittings, furniture, utilities, plant and machinery along with other assets owned by PVP Screens.

However, the company disclosed that it would now take necessary steps to complete the auction and other related formalities.

PVP Screens is a wholly owned subsidiary of Telephoto Entertainments (TEL) and TEL is a subsidiary of PVP Ventures to the extent of 65.81%. The company is in the business of software training, software development services for large corporates and product marketing activities.

http://www.myiris.com/newsCentre/newsPopup.php?fileR=20081120121640198&dir=2008/11/20&secID=livenewskannan infratechNovember 21st, 2008, 10:44 AMMalls & Multiplex Scene in Chennai:

I am writing this with a heavy heart that I will be throwing hot water on the feet of our forumers. (a Tamil saying which I tried to translate - but a failure)

After the recent finacial melt down, the scene has changed quite a bit in the malls & multiplex arena. Only a few projects which are near completion may be finished and all the others will be put on hold. No takers for the space being offered. Companies which booked earlier are also withdrawing.

Probably, Chennai missed the bus on this. We have to be satisfied with Inox, Mayajal for some time now.RasnaboyNovember 22nd, 2008, 03:18 AM^^ :ohno:

Kannan Sir! Does what you mean include all these upcoming malls?

Upcoming Malls

Page 12: Complaints on Malls

===============

Aminjikarai - Ampa MallAnna Nagar - Ozone Group's Metro ZoneVadapalani - Prestige GroupMount Road - Prestige GroupMount Road - Express MallVelachery - Future GroupDLF - VelacheryOMR - Marg's Riversideferrari_fanNovember 22nd, 2008, 04:12 AM^^ i've seen Express Estates construction going on so hopefully that'll escape.. Ampa's already as good as finished so probably that'll open soon too...

the OMR malls (Riverside Mall and Coromandel Plaza) are in relatively initial stages of construction and might face problems..kannan infratechNovember 22nd, 2008, 08:33 AMGenerally mall space and multiplex space are booked as long lease say 9+9+9 years. Many a time the booking by anchor stores is done even before the foundation work is started. Only the smaller vanilla stores will come towards the end.

The construction time is generally 2 to 3 years.

The situation may be alright say in the next two years.

The anchor shops will start the opearion ie doing interiors etc only if they are sure of good business. As the situation is fluid, people are keeping the fingers crossed.

Since they all booked at higher rates earlier, they are afraid that whether they will be able to service the same now. The power cost is also very high since generators have to be used now (almost tripled).

Thts why I have predicted the delay.H FactorNovember 25th, 2008, 07:12 PMGenerally mall space and multiplex space are booked as long lease say 9+9+9 years. Many a time the booking by anchor stores is done even before the foundation work is started. Only the smaller vanilla stores will come towards the end.

The construction time is generally 2 to 3 years.

The situation may be alright say in the next two years.

The anchor shops will start the opearion ie doing interiors etc only if they are sure of good

Page 13: Complaints on Malls

business. As the situation is fluid, people are keeping the fingers crossed.

Since they all booked at higher rates earlier, they are afraid that whether they will be able to service the same now. The power cost is also very high since generators have to be used now (almost tripled).

Thts why I have predicted the delay.

Two days before i travelled by Nelson Manickam road. After a long time, i could see some activities in AMPA mall. Instance, the usual dull exterior are given yellow & orange shades and it looks good.kpgopalDecember 4th, 2008, 09:32 AMBasement work on the Sky city Mall ( http://www.sky-city.in/mall_multiplex.html ) has started. This is in Vanagaram ( near Maduravoyal).karthikarthikDecember 4th, 2008, 05:22 PMDevelopment of Grand Mall is going on full swing(day and night). Everyday there is progress. With the kind of activity going on I think it will be completed in another 6 months.

Express Avenue- I see little progress. Few people are working, I think this will be delayed little bit.

AMPA mall- Work is going in full swingbharathkasthuriDecember 4th, 2008, 05:31 PMwhere is the location of grand mall chennai? Is it in velachery? Is this the one opposite to bharat petrol bunk?karthikarthikDecember 16th, 2008, 02:14 PMwhere is the location of grand mall chennai? Is it in velachery? Is this the one opposite to bharat petrol bunk?

Grand Mall- Location is Opp to Bharat Petrol bunk (Velacherry Road,Adyar to Guindy road Jn)bharathkasthuriDecember 17th, 2008, 01:17 PMThanks Karthik.H FactorJanuary 3rd, 2009, 01:18 PMTrue value homes has acquired land in LB Road adyar to construct 400000 sq ft mall cum hotel. The total land acquired was 3.68 acres for 200 crores. Exact location is not known.

Source: Times of India, 3rd Jan, Chennai edition.catickJanuary 3rd, 2009, 10:08 PM

Page 14: Complaints on Malls

http://www.sspdl.com/images/Chennai_central02.jpg

http://www.sspdl.com/images/Chennai_central02.jpg

Any idea about the progress of this??

Or is it still standing there with the board??

Like this......

http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2008/08/12/images/2008081250090102.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2008/08/12/images/2008081250090102.jpgcatickJanuary 3rd, 2009, 11:23 PMI am a new user.... I am not able to post images from my computer to the post.. I dont have the option to upload attachments form my computer to the post... Can any ne help me with that??RasnaboyJanuary 5th, 2009, 02:42 AM^^

Hi Catick. Welcome. You too can follow this procedure... :)

BTW, I have a self drawn diagram explaining this problem, but have no idea how to insert a picture that is not a link. :?

Please register yourself in www.imageshack.us and upload the image on to your page in that Website using the "Upload Image" option available there. Now you can rightclick on the uploaded image in Imageshack and copy the path and insert it in this thread within "[IMG]" "[\IMG]" tags to view the image in your post. The path of your uploaded image will be something like this: "http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/..."

Hope this helps.:cheers:catickJanuary 5th, 2009, 04:25 AMThank you Rasna boy...:)Indian SunJanuary 5th, 2009, 04:02 PMwhere is the Central Mall being constructed?Kewl BattyJanuary 5th, 2009, 05:06 PMthats comin opposite to taj coromandel in Nungambakkam high road.greatshankar

Page 15: Complaints on Malls

January 10th, 2009, 01:21 AMhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQZHa6Z0VwYH FactorJanuary 11th, 2009, 12:23 PMhttp://www.sspdl.com/images/Chennai_central02.jpg

http://www.sspdl.com/images/Chennai_central02.jpg

Any idea about the progress of this??

Or is it still standing there with the board??

Like this......

http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2008/08/12/images/2008081250090102.jpg

http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2008/08/12/images/2008081250090102.jpg

There is no construction happenning here. Think the project is put on hold.H FactorJanuary 11th, 2009, 12:34 PMhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQZHa6Z0VwY

How old is this video? Any idea when this s getting inagurated? Two days before i travelled & could see lot of improvement.bharani.nittJanuary 11th, 2009, 12:59 PMany1 knws wat is happenin to this express avenue mall ?

http://expressavenue.in/

any developments ?bharani.nittJanuary 11th, 2009, 12:59 PMchennai central is near my house . the groundwork has not even started . it looks like some porambokku nilam . probably recession effect .Arul MuruganJanuary 11th, 2009, 04:16 PMany1 knws wat is happenin to this express avenue mall ?

http://expressavenue.in/

any developments ?

It is under construction!!

Page 16: Complaints on Malls

I remember 3-4 floors popping out.....greatshankarJanuary 13th, 2009, 12:19 AMHow old is this video? Any idea when this s getting inagurated? Two days before i travelled & could see lot of improvement.

I think this is pretty old video...Elango1984February 2nd, 2009, 10:49 AMIT’S a problem of plenty. While rents in glitzy malls dropped over the last quarter, prime markets continue to see high rates ofrealty vacancy even in well-heeled cities like Delhi and Mumbai. An extensive study of this conducted by real estate consultancy Cushman and Wakefield (C&W) for SundayET revealed that mall vacancy rates have remained at an average of 16% across 7 major cities in 2008.

Delhi and Pune had the highest ratio of vacancies in malls at 24% and 15% respectively, with the financial hub of Mumbai not too far behind at 10.2%. Chennai seemed to be the only one to beat the empty-quotient with approximately 1% of its mall space being left vacant.

“From the retailers’ point of view, the preference is still largely for premium high streets over malls, further aggravating the situation,” says Rajneesh Mahajan, executive director, retail services, C&W India. “In cities like Delhi and Pune where the distribution of malls is fairly equitable, high vacancy levels are a result of inadequate quality of development which have deterred major retailers from venturing into these malls.”

Kishore Biyani, CEO, Future Group feels that retailers are in a period of transition. “There is a higher degree of cautiousness at this time. Everyone is discovering what works best,” he says. “They are deciding where to invest right now so that they can get the best return.” No wonder then that in certain markets, more mall space has not led to increases in occupancy levels.

Take the case of Delhi NCR, which has the highest amount of mall space in India and notched up another 12% increase in supply last year with 4.73 mn sq ft opening up across 18 mall projects. However, vacancy levels are also the highest at 24% of the existing mall stock of 14.6 mn sq ft being unutilised.

“This is largely due to the fact that most of the new space is concentrated in specific locations, creating an excess in that micro market,” says Mahajan. “The concentration has been largely in satellite towns to Delhi like Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Noida etc. where a large number of projects have been completed but are yet to see a corresponding uptake of space by retailers.”

Some people, however, also believe that since many malls have not been able to attract enough footfalls, big retailers are cautious about taking up space there. “People have come out of the mall culture. That charm and craze is over,” says Ambeek Khemka, group president of Vishal Retail which has been operating successfully in the standalone format.

Page 17: Complaints on Malls

“Moreover, the drop in rental retail values haven’t been across the board, so these rates are still not attractive enough. Also, a lot of mall developers don’t look at the right product mix which again acts as a deterrant for many top retailers.”

The story is similar in other cities too. Pune, for instance, has recorded the second highest vacancy level of 15.23% of the existing stock of 1.5 mn sq ft. The reason ascribed is that besides having restricted entry of mall space, the market also does not have very high retailer confidence on the overall quality and performance of the new mall space.

In Mumbai, approximately 2 mn sq ft (seven malls) entered the market by the end of Q4, increasing supply by 30% but vacancy levels stood at 10.2%. It is being said this was due to a misalignment in tenant expectation vis-a-vis the profile of the catchment area. So while the mall owners expected an overwhelming response from retailers, the customer profiles did not enthuse potential tenants. The general slowdown in expansion by retailers also contributed to the overall vacancy level in the city.

Southern markets such as Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad, however, tell a different tale. Vacancy levels haven’t been as high primarily due to the supply and size of malls, both being restrained in these markets. In 2008, no major malls opened in these southern markets while retailer activity remained stable, keeping vacancy levels in the manageable range of 1%-5%.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Economy/Realty_pinch_Delhi_Pune_see_more_vacancy_in_malls/articleshow/4058380.cmsrangaFebruary 2nd, 2009, 12:34 PMIT’S a problem of plenty. While rents in glitzy malls dropped over the last quarter, prime markets continue to see high rates ofrealty vacancy even in well-heeled cities like Delhi and Mumbai. An extensive study of this conducted by real estate consultancy Cushman and Wakefield (C&W) for SundayET revealed that mall vacancy rates have remained at an average of 16% across 7 major cities in 2008.

Delhi and Pune had the highest ratio of vacancies in malls at 24% and 15% respectively, with the financial hub of Mumbai not too far behind at 10.2%. Chennai seemed to be the only one to beat the empty-quotient with approximately 1% of its mall space being left vacant.

“From the retailers’ point of view, the preference is still largely for premium high streets over malls, further aggravating the situation,” says Rajneesh Mahajan, executive director, retail services, C&W India. “In cities like Delhi and Pune where the distribution of malls is fairly equitable, high vacancy levels are a result of inadequate quality of development which have deterred major retailers from venturing into these malls.”

Kishore Biyani, CEO, Future Group feels that retailers are in a period of transition. “There is a higher degree of cautiousness at this time. Everyone is discovering what works best,” he says. “They are deciding where to invest right now so that they can get the best return.” No wonder then that in certain markets, more mall space has not led to increases in occupancy levels.

Page 18: Complaints on Malls

Take the case of Delhi NCR, which has the highest amount of mall space in India and notched up another 12% increase in supply last year with 4.73 mn sq ft opening up across 18 mall projects. However, vacancy levels are also the highest at 24% of the existing mall stock of 14.6 mn sq ft being unutilised.

“This is largely due to the fact that most of the new space is concentrated in specific locations, creating an excess in that micro market,” says Mahajan. “The concentration has been largely in satellite towns to Delhi like Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Noida etc. where a large number of projects have been completed but are yet to see a corresponding uptake of space by retailers.”

Some people, however, also believe that since many malls have not been able to attract enough footfalls, big retailers are cautious about taking up space there. “People have come out of the mall culture. That charm and craze is over,” says Ambeek Khemka, group president of Vishal Retail which has been operating successfully in the standalone format.

“Moreover, the drop in rental retail values haven’t been across the board, so these rates are still not attractive enough. Also, a lot of mall developers don’t look at the right product mix which again acts as a deterrant for many top retailers.”

The story is similar in other cities too. Pune, for instance, has recorded the second highest vacancy level of 15.23% of the existing stock of 1.5 mn sq ft. The reason ascribed is that besides having restricted entry of mall space, the market also does not have very high retailer confidence on the overall quality and performance of the new mall space.

In Mumbai, approximately 2 mn sq ft (seven malls) entered the market by the end of Q4, increasing supply by 30% but vacancy levels stood at 10.2%. It is being said this was due to a misalignment in tenant expectation vis-a-vis the profile of the catchment area. So while the mall owners expected an overwhelming response from retailers, the customer profiles did not enthuse potential tenants. The general slowdown in expansion by retailers also contributed to the overall vacancy level in the city.

Southern markets such as Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad, however, tell a different tale. Vacancy levels haven’t been as high primarily due to the supply and size of malls, both being restrained in these markets. In 2008, no major malls opened in these southern markets while retailer activity remained stable, keeping vacancy levels in the manageable range of 1%-5%.

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/Economy/Realty_pinch_Delhi_Pune_see_more_vacancy_in_malls/articleshow/4058380.cms

Elango Why do u try to influence the voters?Why don't people like u so concerned with the problems in Sri Lanka also appeal to LTTE and its Supremo V.Prabakaran to release the poor innocent tamils there.The Srilankan tamil refugees residing in Hyderabad know pretty well who is the villain in the present situation.Elango1984February 2nd, 2009, 01:02 PM

Page 19: Complaints on Malls

Elango Why do u try to influence the voters?Why don't people like u so concerned with the problems in Sri Lanka also appeal to LTTE and its Supremo V.Prabakaran to release the poor innocent tamils there.The Srilankan tamil refugees residing in Hyderabad know pretty well who is the villain in the present situation.

I am not that much influential person, my signature content exhibits my concern towards my brothers & sisters in srilanka who has suffering from war, i am not supporting LTTE or his leader, my concern is all about tamils, what is right for gaza is also right for lanka, military solution will only end up in massacre of civilians. In Gaza, 1350 civilians were killed, In Lanka 2078 civilians killed so far and still continuing.. Lets urge for ceasefire, please save innocent peoples, even in our kashmir also so many terrorists were mingled with civilians, Are we declaring war against them, No why? for killing few hundred terrorist we need to destroy thousands of civilians, is this right?

Please check the below links and please reply me with private message because i think we should not disturb other forum members

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/7863538.stm

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/02/02/sri.lanka.fighting/index.html?eref=edition_world

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/02/world/asia/02lanka.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/406373/1/.htmlcncityFebruary 2nd, 2009, 05:08 PMThe sri lankan tamils had a big protest in Toronto last week. I dont know what their purpose as the canadian govt would not do anything and shouldnt do anything as LTTE is banned as a terrorist organization in Canada. Hopefully the Sri lankan army takes control over the entire country and ends this LTTE menace.coolmukundFebruary 2nd, 2009, 06:43 PMThe sri lankan tamils had a big protest in Toronto last week. I dont know what their purpose as the canadian govt would not do anything and shouldnt do anything as LTTE is banned as a terrorist organization in Canada. Hopefully the Sri lankan army takes control over the entire country and ends this LTTE menace.

i thought this was a thread to discuss the developments of the various malls coming up in chennai. why are all political issues being discussed here????? isn't there a seperate thread for all these stuff??!!!!!!gvenkeFebruary 7th, 2009, 05:23 AMSpecification

1. Location : Velachery (chennai)

Page 20: Complaints on Malls

2. Toatl Area : 3.4 Lakhs Sq.ft

3. Total Retail Area : 2 Lakhs Sq.Ft

4. Toatl Commercial Area : 30,000 Sq.ft ( 9 Ground Space) - G + 2

5. Total Floor : G + 4 (Mall )

6. Total Car Park : 450 ( 2 Basement )

7. Anchor West Side ( G + 2 )

8. Multiplex : Cinemax ( 5 screen ) 1300 seating capacity (3rd + 4th Floor)

9. Food Court : 18,000 Sq.ft ( 4th floor + Terrace Covered )

10. FEC : 2 ( 4th Floor )

11. Sub Anchor : 3 ( Ground + 1st + 2nd )

12. Fine Dinning : 3( 3rd Floor + Terrace )

Floor-Plan

http://www.pssrijan.com/images/vel_mall_plan/basement_b.jpg

http://www.pssrijan.com/images/vel_mall_plan/ground_b.jpg

http://www.pssrijan.com/images/vel_mall_plan/second_b.jpg

http://www.pssrijan.com/images/vel_mall_plan/fourth_b.jpg

The Grand Velachery

http://www.pssrijan.com/images/vel_ele/img2_b.jpg

Source: http://www.pssrijan.com/Kewl BattyMarch 17th, 2009, 12:26 AMMALL & HOTEL, ADYAR, CHENNAI

Land Extent :7 acres Development Size : 0.7 million sq.ft.

Page 21: Complaints on Malls

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/122/tvhmallhoteladyar.jpg

This once again is an upcoming project from TVH. further details awaited.

site: http://www.tvh.in/home.htmlKewl BattyMarch 17th, 2009, 12:35 AMOne more upcoming project by TVH..

OMR - Mall & Hotel - 5 acresnsantha2March 17th, 2009, 02:53 AMMALL & HOTEL, ADYAR, CHENNAI

Land Extent :7 acres Development Size : 0.7 million sq.ft.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/122/tvhmallhoteladyar.jpg

This once again is an upcoming project from TVH. further details awaited.

site: http://www.tvh.in/home.html

Where in Adyar is this coming up?venkatmMarch 17th, 2009, 03:21 AMthe old andrew yule property (on the left hand side as soon as you come down from the LB road flyover on the way to Tiruvanmiyur). There is exactly space for 1 bus to squeeze through the gap between the flyover and this property's compund!Into_salemMarch 25th, 2009, 02:10 AMSix To Eight More Malls Expected To Open In Next Couple Of Years

Chennai: The slowdown may have stalled construction projects across the country, but Chennai is set to get six to eight new malls in the next couple of years, replete with food courts, cinema theatres, gaming arcades and shops.Many maintain that the slump has not made a dent in the retail market except for high streets like Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam High Road and Cathedral Road-RK Salai. Unlike other cities, Chennai has only two big malls and faces a huge demand-supply mismatch when it comes to organised retail, and retailers too need more space — which is why the new malls are expected to be a hit. According to Jones Lang LaSalle Meghraj (JLLM), a leading real estate services firm, the share of organised retail space in Chennai is under 5%, compared to 35% in Delhi NCR and 17% in Mumbai.“In another two to three years, six to eight malls are expected to become operational. Two will be functional by this year: Ampa Mall in Aminjikarai will be ready by the first half of 2009 and Express Avenue on Whites Road by the end of 2009,” said Sanjay Chugh, national head of

Page 22: Complaints on Malls

business development, retail of JLLM.A report by Cushman and Wakefield says 14 malls covering 6.2 million sq ft were to come up in 2010 and 2011, mostly in the southern and western parts of Chennai, but many are now on hold. “Though there are a few projects listed on paper, only three or four malls will probably become operational in two years,” said Rajneesh Mahajan, executive director, retail services at Cushman and Wakefield. “There is limited spending on the ground and construction activity has slowed. It is hard to tell how many projects will stick to schedule,” he said.Though projects are stalling due to the slowdown, those underway will continue according to plan. For instance, Ampa Mall, under construction for more than two years, is now nearing completion. “None of us expected a slowdown to hit us,” said Ampa Palaniappan, owner and developer. “But since we’ve already weathered the storm, we can only expect growth now.” He said Ampa Mall would be the first hyper market (a hyper market covers roughly about 60,000 sq ft and has both supermarket and departmental stores) in the city. “We have retained most of our clients due to reasonable rentals,” added Palaniappan, through whose mall PVR Cinemas will be entering the city.The slump has changed business strategies and models, and reduced rental rates. “According to the earlier model, the rent-revenue ratio would be as high as 40%, which was unrealistic. But now rates have been revised, say for a smaller store (1,000-2,000 sq ft) it would be 18% of gross sales,” said Chugh. “The upcoming malls are in different corridors, so even if there is delay, there is a definite demand,” he said.

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/4608/mallchennai.jpg

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOI&BaseHref=TOICH/2009/03/25&PageLabel=5&EntityId=Ar00500&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=TKewl BattyMarch 25th, 2009, 11:13 PMTotal Land Area 7,20,000 sftTotal Retail Area 6,30,000 sftOffice Area 4,30,000 sftHotel Room 264 nos 2,80,000 sftHotel Retail Area 1,200 sftEntertainment Area 41,000 sftF & B Area 84,000 sftMultiplex 1,08,000 sftService Apartment 174 nos 1,00,000 sftNight Club 8,000 sftParking Area for Main Mall (Mall+Hotel+S.A) 1,700 nos 6,35,000 sft

Nos of levelsRetail 5 lvls Lower ground, Ground, First, Second, Third (Multiplex & projection lvl.)Parking (Mall) 12 lvls B2 (Full), B1& Mezzanine of MLCP, Ground + 8lvls of MLCP.Hotel 11 lvls B2 +B1+ Ground + Lounge+ Service & BOH + 6 Flrs of Rooms (Shangri-La)Service Apt 11 lvls B2 +B1+ Ground + Service+ 7 Flrs of Roomscommercial/ IT Office 12 lvls (G+8 Flrs)B3, B2, B1, Ground + 8 flrs

Page 23: Complaints on Malls

Parking (office)a B3, B2, B1 & Ground

Source:http://www.thephoenixmills.com/retail-market-city-chennai-snap-shots.aspKewl BattyMarch 25th, 2009, 11:22 PMhttp://img513.imageshack.us/img513/620/chennaiviews1big.gif

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/4492/chennaiviews2big.gif

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/1324/chennaiviews3big.gif

http://img67.imageshack.us/img67/6182/chennaiviews4big.gif

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/7418/chennaiviews5big.gif

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/7872/chennaiviews6big.gifrjg_2186March 26th, 2009, 05:52 AMGood to see all the details about various malls that will be coming in and around chennai. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!ferrari_fanMarch 26th, 2009, 08:27 AMMALL & HOTEL, ADYAR, CHENNAI

Land Extent :7 acres Development Size : 0.7 million sq.ft.

This once again is an upcoming project from TVH. further details awaited.

site: http://www.tvh.in/home.html

Wow - that's big - terrible location though - LB Road is already so congested.. :(

BTW, does anyone else think this looks rather like Rayala Towers near Spencers?dis.agreeMarch 26th, 2009, 08:59 PMWow - that's big - terrible location though - LB Road is already so congested.. :(

i think with more such construction activities, we could expect this road to be widened sooner. you will notice all new buildings have compound wall well inside. as per master plan 2, it is a 100 ft road, if my memory is right.ferrari_fanMarch 27th, 2009, 04:53 AM

Page 24: Complaints on Malls

^^ Oh that's good news..

:)kannan infratechMarch 27th, 2009, 11:13 AMWe have done some traffic study near the LB Road flyover earlier.

Unless the mall have alternate entrances and exits on other roads, it will be chaos.

The situation in Forum Mall (Vijaya Studios) at Vadapalani is also very similar if not so accute.sridhar_nMarch 30th, 2009, 08:23 AMI understand a Mall/multiplex is coming up at the erstwhile National Theatre in Virugambakkam...couple of kms from Big Bazaar. Any updates on this mall???BalasMarch 30th, 2009, 09:58 AMWe have done some traffic study near the LB Road flyover earlier.

Unless the mall have alternate entrances and exits on other roads, it will be chaos.

The situation in Forum Mall (Vijaya Studios) at Vadapalani is also very similar if not so accute.

God save Adyarites and people who rely on LB road to connect to T'myur and beyond. I find it difficult to leave my car for service in Cars India (which is just adjacent to it) and take it during even Saturdays. I am not sure if there is a connect from behind (Sastri nagar / padmanabhan st??)die4chennaiMarch 30th, 2009, 06:27 PMGrand Venus Mall

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/1962/peramburmall.jpg

The mall will set the benchmark in planning – with ample car parking, open spaces and driveways set amidst natural surroundings, fountains and landscapingA multiscreen theatre operated by one of the top names in the field Fame Cinemas food court that will have counters by leading restaurant chainsSophisticated children’s play area A shopper’s paradise with lifestyle products and international brandsConstruction already underway, for the first mall in this chain –coming up over 4 acres of prime property in Perumbur

http://www.gangafoundations.com/projects.html

Though the name of the mall chain is spectrum, it is coming under the name,"Grand Venus

Page 25: Complaints on Malls

Mall".Construction is going on for more than a year albeit at a slower pace. Visible improvements can be seen with the pace of development. Will try to post the U/C pics soon.die4chennaiApril 2nd, 2009, 10:00 AMExpress Avenue - Updates

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9381/57416967.jpg

Total Development - 15,00,000 sq.Ft

Retail - 9,00,000 Sq.Ft.

Gourmet Supermarket, Book Store,Fashion Apparels & Accessories,Lifestyle Departmental store,Home Store,Electronics/Gadgets Superstores,Kids Stores,Beauty & Health

Entertainment - 1,70,000 Sq.Ft

Food Court with over 1000 seating capacity8 Screen Multiplex with capacity for 1300

Hotel - 1,00,000 Sq.FtBoutique hotel with 40 plus suite roomsLounge with Resto barSpa & Fitness Center

Office 2,00,000 Sq.Ft.

Parking 4,00,000 Sq.Ftover 1800 carsAmple two wheeler Parking

http://expressavenue.in/die4chennaiApril 2nd, 2009, 10:05 AMhttp://img25.imageshack.us/img25/1874/48361989.jpg

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/8553/92104572.jpg

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/5704/22130775.jpg

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/2310/61665157.jpg

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/6379/57719969.jpg

Page 26: Complaints on Malls

Source: http://expressavenue.in/greatshankarApril 2nd, 2009, 01:42 PMWhich Multiplex is going to come? Is that satyam's Imax?Kewl BattyApril 2nd, 2009, 02:40 PM^^ 7- screen sathyam is coming up there.. not sure if imax is comin up in this express avenue.die4chennaiApril 2nd, 2009, 02:43 PMWhich Multiplex is going to come? Is that satyam's Imax?

Yes Yes...

Read it in the latest hindu edition but couldnt get the source.However found an old one here

http://www.hindu.com/2006/09/08/stories/2006090819770200.htmdie4chennaiApril 3rd, 2009, 04:56 AMHere comes another one belowdie4chennaiApril 3rd, 2009, 04:58 AMCHENNAI: The Delhi-based Aerens Gold Souk Group, having interests in real estate, retail, entertainment and hospitality, on Thursday unveiled its Chennai project, Gold Souk Grande, a large format multi-specialty mall.

Addressing presspersons here on Thursday, Surinder S. Pruthi, Chairman, and Ashish Gupta, Vice-Chairman and Joint Managing Director, Aerens Gold Souk Group, said the Rs. 250 crore project was coming up at Vandaloor, near Chennai. Spread across 8 lakh sq. ft., the mall would be fully operational by the third quarter of 2010.

The mall would have hypermarket, food court, anchor stores and a miltiplex . It would have brand and vanilla anchor stores offering lifestyle products, accessories, electronics, footwear, cosmetics and others.

Shobana, actor, unveiled the replica of Gold Souk Grande-Chennai.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/04/03/stories/2009040355721400.htmdie4chennaiApril 3rd, 2009, 05:12 AMhttp://img23.imageshack.us/img23/3842/gschannai.jpg

Chennai’s first large format multi specialty mall

Page 27: Complaints on Malls

Size of development - 800,000 sq. ft.

Location - Located on National Highway 45 (GST ROAD) next to Cresent Engineering College at a stone throwaway distance from the Vandaloor Zological Park

Footfalls - Gold Souk Grandé Chennai will be anchored by Gold Souk making it a destination mall attracting customers from a radius of 200 kms from places as far away as Thiruvannamalai, Thiruchirappalli, Thanjavur, Coimbatore.

Other developments in the vicinity - Sriram Gateway (2km before) L&T Estancia (3km ahead)Mahindra World City (12km ahead)

Exclusive Zoning for sustained footfalls - Gold Souk, Hypermarket, Wedding & other lifestyle retail, Brand Stores, Anchor Stores, Multiplex, Food Court

Anchors - Cinemax, Spencers, Pantaloons, Gold Souk

Location Map

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/1202/mapchennai.gif

Construction updateshttp://img8.imageshack.us/img8/2305/chennai01.jpg http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/51/chennai02.jpghttp://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4610/chennai04g.jpg

Source: http://www.goldsoukindia.com/sridhar_nApril 3rd, 2009, 06:17 AMExpress Avenue - Updates

http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9381/57416967.jpg

Total Development - 15,00,000 sq.Ft

Retail - 9,00,000 Sq.Ft.

Gourmet Supermarket, Book Store,Fashion Apparels & Accessories,Lifestyle Departmental store,Home Store,Electronics/Gadgets Superstores,Kids Stores,Beauty & Health

Entertainment - 1,70,000 Sq.Ft

Page 28: Complaints on Malls

Food Court with over 1000 seating capacity8 Screen Multiplex with capacity for 1300

Hotel - 1,00,000 Sq.FtBoutique hotel with 40 plus suite roomsLounge with Resto barSpa & Fitness Center

Office 2,00,000 Sq.Ft.

Parking 4,00,000 Sq.Ftover 1800 carsAmple two wheeler Parking

http://expressavenue.in/

God this is looking awesome. Mount Road will regain its lost charm again. Lots of projects coming up. Express Estates, Forum Mall, ITC's Grand Chola, Grand Hyatt etc etc. They should now have a plan to strenghten the infrastruture there...couple of fly overs especially at Teynampet Junction and one at Nandanam will be required..die4chennaiApril 3rd, 2009, 07:40 AMIt wud be great if it can b seen from mount road. But by the looks of it, it wont. May b for a short span while peeking inside of the pattulas roadbharathkasthuriApril 3rd, 2009, 07:50 AMI read some where in media (dont remember exactly) that authorities are not planning flyovers in Mount road for the near future as metro rail lines will be going through mount road.die4chennaiApril 3rd, 2009, 08:22 AMI read some where in media (dont remember exactly) that authorities are not planning flyovers in Mount road for the near future as metro rail lines will be going through mount road.

Thats true and they r giving de same excuse for flyovers at thirumangalam jn, vadapalani jn & for halda jn. They r actively trying 2 find some other excuses for delays in construction of flyovers at Thiruvanmiyur jn, Madya kailash jn.

Oops i forgot they already came up with one. Waiting for report on chennai traffic pattern to b submitted by wilbur smithferrari_fanApril 3rd, 2009, 08:24 AMIt wud be great if it can b seen from mount road. But by the looks of it, it wont. May b for a short span while peeking inside of the pattulas road

Page 29: Complaints on Malls

The office tower on the left looks like it'll be 12-13 floors tall so I think that might be visible from near Spencers on Mount Road..kannan infratechApril 3rd, 2009, 11:41 AMThough Chennai needs good quality Malls & Multiplexes at least 4 or 5, the occupation level in the upcoming malls seems a huge bother.

Rentals are going down and many cancellataions also.

It will be another 2 to 3 yeras for us to enjoy the same. Lets all pray that the Melt Down is reversed soon and all the M & Ms are filled up.bharathkasthuriApril 3rd, 2009, 12:05 PMThis looks like dog and stone story. Till now its being said that we have huge demand but supply is not there, now the case is reversed. Hope market recovers soon :-)rangaApril 3rd, 2009, 02:05 PMThough Chennai needs good quality Malls & Multiplexes at least 4 or 5, the occupation level in the upcoming malls seems a huge bother.

Rentals are going down and many cancellataions also.

It will be another 2 to 3 yeras for us to enjoy the same. Lets all pray that the Melt Down is reversed soon and all the M & Ms are filled up.

It will certainly take another two/three years minimum for these projects to get completed by that time the meltdown phase will taper and business start picking up.Chennai was very conservative during the late sixties up to even the eighties when hardly a soul stirs out after 9.00 P.M.Despite pessimism about low patronage on account of rigid lifestyles and frugal living among the even well to do chennaites many chains of consumer durable stores and hotels came up in the seventies and thereafter doing roaring business.The present day chennai has undergone lot of change and is like anyother metro of this country with huge potential for business growth what with so many industries coming up.Demand and supply of space are cyclic and so are the rentals.This should not give room for pessimism.barrykulApril 3rd, 2009, 07:02 PMIt will certainly take another two/three years minimum for these projects to get completed by that time the meltdown phase will taper and business start picking up.Chennai was very conservative during the late sixties up to even the eighties when hardly a soul stirs out after 9.00 P.M.Despite pessimism about low patronage on account of rigid lifestyles and frugal living among the even well to do chennaites many chains of consumer durable stores and hotels came up in the seventies and thereafter doing roaring business.The present day chennai has undergone lot of change and is like anyother metro of this country with huge potential for business growth what with so many industries coming up.Demand and supply of space are cyclic and so are the rentals.This should not give room for pessimism.

Page 30: Complaints on Malls

Wow, quite a change by you Ranga. Formerly you criticized mall creation and its "wasteful" spending, now you a firm believer it could do meaningful business in the coming years.

On Malls: if you look at modern day malls, they are really modern, clean well lit places replacing the old bazaar of years gone by. Of course the shops have now become chains offering uniformity in products/service. Indian malls can adapt accordingly. One way for all the "mom and pop" shops to thrive is to band together and create a mall like atmosphere, i.e. a large enclosed area that is clean and well lit with broad walkways. Investing in this infra pays back, since people want a 1 stop shopping experience. Rents become higher. If most of them become like "Spencers" then the playing field is evened out and now it becomes a question of products/services and its price.bharathkasthuriApril 6th, 2009, 01:45 PM2 days back i happen to see a signboard in the Hyatt new campus (Hyatt is taking over from Balaji Enterprises i believe) in Mt Road saying Ramee Mall.

Not sure, whether this is a full fledged mall.Arul MuruganApril 6th, 2009, 06:18 PMAllied Marina Mall just in front of hiranandhini on IT corridor.

Ground works looks to be completed.

http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/9997/dsc05171.jpg (http://img142.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc05171.jpg)http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/dsc05171.jpg/1/w819.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img142/dsc05171.jpg/1/)bharani.nittApril 6th, 2009, 07:12 PMWhere exactly is it located on the IT corridor ?

Karapakkam ?greatshankarApril 6th, 2009, 07:57 PM^^ Siruseridie4chennaiApril 7th, 2009, 04:35 PM2 days back i happen to see a signboard in the Hyatt new campus (Hyatt is taking over from Balaji Enterprises i believe) in Mt Road saying Ramee Mall.

Not sure, whether this is a full fledged mall.

Ramee Mall shares 50 per cent of the ground floor, first floor and the entire second floor with a total space of 2 Lakhs sq.ft

Page 31: Complaints on Malls

Apart from the mall, the 18-floor hotel (ground plus 14 floors and three basement floors) will have 334 rooms and six food and beverage outlets spread over 6,00,000 sq. ft.Kewl BattyApril 17th, 2009, 09:45 AMposted by HFactor, update of riverside mall.

MARG RIVERSIDE MALL- NEAR THORAIPAKKAM: CONSTRUCTION FULL SWING:

http://i673.photobucket.com/albums/vv93/hariraam/Photo-0069.jpgArul MuruganApril 19th, 2009, 06:23 PM2 days back i happen to see a signboard in the Hyatt new campus (Hyatt is taking over from Balaji Enterprises i believe) in Mt Road saying Ramee Mall.

Not sure, whether this is a full fledged mall.

Yesterday i saw the name Ramee Mall opening shortly in that haunted building near to Anna Arivalaiyam....... Is that building was planned for Oberoi hotel??

Google search........

Ramee Group plans Dh5b outlay to develop 15 hospitality projects

By Saifur Rahman, Business EditorPublished: October 18, 2008, 00:01

Dubai: Ramee Group of hotels, which operates 31 mid-sized hotels in the GCC and India, is investing Dh5 billion in 15 new projects in the Gulf and India, a top official said.

These include three five-star properties in Dubai, four projects in Bahrain and three hotels in India.

"Of these, Dh2.7 billion will be invested in the UAE, Dh1.3 billion in Bahrain and a further Dh1 billion in India," Raj Shetty, chairman and managing worker of Ramee Group, told Gulf News.

.....................................

..................

In addition, it has purchased a shopping mall of 200,000 square feet in Chennai and commenced construction of commercial complex in Mumbai with an investment outlay of Dh1.3 billion.

http://www.gulfnews.com/business/Hotel_and_Tourism/10252626.htmlferrari_fanApril 20th, 2009, 05:41 AM^^ Cool find!

Page 32: Complaints on Malls

200,000 sq.ft. would definitely classify as a full-fledged mall I'd say..

Hope the mall as well as hotel are up and running soon..sridhar_nApril 23rd, 2009, 03:14 PMwhen will AMPA mall open??? we've been waiting for too long for this...nashcodeApril 23rd, 2009, 04:40 PM^^ :lol:nashcodeApril 23rd, 2009, 04:43 PM^^ Cool find!

200,000 sq.ft. would definitely classify as a full-fledged mall I'd say..

Hope the mall as well as hotel are up and running soon..

It should be made into a mall for high end luxury brands ... like the one in UB city in Bangalooru ... would go well with the proposed 5 star hoteldis.agreeApril 24th, 2009, 05:13 AMIt should be made into a mall for high end luxury brands ... like the one in UB city in Bangalooru ... would go well with the proposed 5 star hotel

but ub city mall was empty when i visited. not a soul inside those luxury shops.venkatmApril 24th, 2009, 07:57 PMpeople seem to visit UB city only for food court - Khansama restaurant. All the designer shops are indeed empty.bharathkasthuriApril 30th, 2009, 03:20 PMHappen to talk to Ampa Mall guys (employee- sr position) today. Looks like they are going to open by June. They are very confident in meeting this. They said that they have crossed all the hurdles (approvals).H FactorApril 30th, 2009, 08:47 PMHappen to talk to Ampa Mall guys (employee- sr position) today. Looks like they are going to open by June. They are very confident in meeting this. They said that they have crossed all the hurdles (approvals).

Great news! I use Nelson Manickam road very frequently. Though i notice some construction workers on the site, the pace is very slow. Today i noticed some concreting work in the rear side of the mall where the multi level parking is coming up.

It was publicised tht there r around 90 players incl westside, PVR, spencers, Mcdnls. Dont know

Page 33: Complaints on Malls

how many of them are sticking to this delayed project?! Im not seeing the recently opened Indi Mall doing good business. Most of the time the shop s near empty.ferrari_fanMay 2nd, 2009, 08:15 PM^^ Where is Indi Mall? Never heard of it..greatshankarMay 2nd, 2009, 08:36 PMI think Express avenue will be ready soon, heared facading on mall portion started. Any updates?dis.agreeMay 3rd, 2009, 10:33 AM^^yes, facading had started at express mall. i suppose it should open in a year's time once interior designs are complete. ampa mall however looks terrible with all kinds of colors.

seen from green park hotel, lot of construction activities were complete at prestige mall, vadapalani. in the front, it it is still at basement level. building at the back was i think up 4 floors.sridhar_nMay 4th, 2009, 07:48 AMHappen to talk to Ampa Mall guys (employee- sr position) today. Looks like they are going to open by June. They are very confident in meeting this. They said that they have crossed all the hurdles (approvals).

Not sounding negative...but the fact is that the Ampa guys have been saying this for a long time now...and the activities don't seem to reflect what they say...going very slow...i don't understand how these guys sink in so much of money and then wait for this long to get approvals...it doesn't make any business sense...and it all depends on the source (!?) of their funds...Kewl BattyMay 21st, 2009, 08:05 PMLooks like Ampa Mall is ready! Atlast!

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/396/3550609594d2a4fdcdcbb.jpg

From Flickrnsantha2May 22nd, 2009, 03:44 AMLooks like Ampa Mall is ready! Atlast!

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/396/3550609594d2a4fdcdcbb.jpg

From Flickr

3 years from the planned completion date. Oh well, better late than never.Arul MuruganMay 22nd, 2009, 04:05 AM

Page 34: Complaints on Malls

^^

Atlast another hang over place is ready for Chennaities for seeing movies and shopping.kvijayasundaramMay 22nd, 2009, 04:47 AM^^ Looks Horrid !!! While the building itself looks passable, funky colors like yellow, orange and purple makes it an eyesore.:bash:

Terribly disappointed by the way this turned out after such a long wait.satsukhoiMay 22nd, 2009, 06:38 AMLast week i had a chance to travel along the road where the express mall is being setup. It looks really massive and the works are going in full swing. Unfortunately i didn't had a chance to take snaps. The big towers is fully setup. I guess the construction are is more than that of the Spencer plaza.

What is the exact completion period of the express mall??

If anybody have any latest photos of the express mall please post it for the forumersZailsinghMay 22nd, 2009, 06:51 AM^^ Looks Horrid !!! While the building itself looks passable, funky colors like yellow, orange and purple makes it an eyesore.:bash:

Terribly disappointed by the way this turned out after such a long wait.

Excatly... That looks like one of the saravana store buildings.....:ohno:sridhar_nMay 22nd, 2009, 07:03 AMExcatly... That looks like one of the saravana store buildings.....:ohno:

It certainly is not looking great...but good that atleast it has been completed now...

And, are PVR, McDonald and others coming in there?Arul MuruganMay 22nd, 2009, 07:32 AMExcatly... That looks like one of the saravana store buildings.....:ohno:

Bangalore forum? more or less similar to this....

And once they put international ads, it will be more colorful:lol: Infact the rendering of the Ampa mall was similar to this to only...

Express Mall rendering was much better.Indian Sun

Page 35: Complaints on Malls

May 22nd, 2009, 08:34 AM^^ I think we already have a McDonald's in Chennai...at Ascendas? Correct me if I'm wrong...sridhar_nMay 22nd, 2009, 08:45 AM^^ I think we already have a McDonald's in Chennai...at Ascendas? Correct me if I'm wrong...

Yes, the only McDonalds in Chennai is in Ascendas....they should open more outlets in the city...i wish so...even smaller cities have more Mcdonald outlets than Chennai...bledzoeMay 23rd, 2009, 08:41 AMGJEPCToRT1A&feature=related

tdk1vOYFUVc&feature=related

7awk2hJf7wk&feature=relatedIndian SunMay 23rd, 2009, 11:58 AM^^ ????Kewl BattyMay 24th, 2009, 08:46 AMlol :spam1:H FactorMay 24th, 2009, 09:45 PMIt certainly is not looking great...but good that atleast it has been completed now...

And, are PVR, McDonald and others coming in there?

I read about PVR expansion plans & they have planned 7 screen multiplex in chennai only in FY10. Which means the multiplex in Ampa mall will open on or after Jan 2010 only. :ohno:

When Citi centre was opened, there were no theatres & only after 6 months INOX was opened. Same would be the case in Ampa also! They will handover the space to PVR for development only around June & then the development will take another 6 to 9 months.dis.agreeMay 25th, 2009, 06:55 AMI read about PVR expansion plans & they have planned 7 screen multiplex in chennai only in FY10. Which means the multiplex in Ampa mall will open on or after Jan 2010 only. :ohno:

When Citi centre was opened, there were no theatres & only after 6 months INOX was opened. Same would be the case in Ampa also! They will handover the space to PVR for development only around June & then the development will take another 6 to 9 months.

fy for pvr (& most indian companies) is apr to mar. so, fy10 is apr-09 to mar-10.kannan infratechMay 25th, 2009, 08:54 AM

Page 36: Complaints on Malls

I read somewhere that PVR is postponing all plans for new multiplexes. I do not know if Chennai is also included.

Many chain stores and Boutique Shops are cancelling their bookings in all malls unless the rents are revised drastically downward almost to a non viable level.

Mall & Multiplex Scene in Chennai is very bad. Even the existing stores / shops are running under huge losses. Moreover, the running problem between Multiplex operators and Film producers have to be solved. When the income is so low, sharing becomes an issue.H FactorMay 26th, 2009, 09:34 PMfy for pvr (& most indian companies) is apr to mar. so, fy10 is apr-09 to mar-10.

Being a finance person, my mail is not clear. IM sorry, it was mentioned as Q4 FY 10. Thats why i said it will be opened only around Jan 2010.Kewl BattyMay 31st, 2009, 11:02 AMLuxury mall in Chennai

Source (http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/iw/2009/05/31/stories/2009053150541500.htm)

Bergamo Luxury Mall, a shopping destination for the super rich, is set to open its doors in Chennai at Khader Nawaz Khan Road.

The 40,000 sq.ft mall will open on June 15 next year, with 24 stores offering products by high end European brands. Bergamo will be on a par with similar luxury malls in Delhi and Bangalore. The bespoke retail space will house premium international luxury brands in an environment that will match their positioning — the mall will offer exclusive services like meet-and-greet hostesses, personal shopping advisors and concierge services, according to Mr Ajay Agarwal, MD, Bergamo and KKA Buildtech Pvt Ltd, the promoters.

According to Mr Susil Dungarwal of Squarefeet Management Pvt Ltd, the consultants for the project, discussions are on with a range of players and international brands and the agreements will be finalised over the next three months. Retailers will be given the space for fit outs in March 2010 in time to open in June, he said.

Luxury retail is coming into its own in India where the demand for such products is estimated at about Rs 4,000 crore but is dominated by the grey market. Bergamo will be the third luxury mall of its kind. As far as location goes, there is no alternative to Khader Nawaz Khan which has emerged as the destination for high-end brands.

Bergamo is KKA’s first project in real estate development. But the group is well suited to handle the niche segment as it is among the leading manufacturer and exporter of apparels for high-end brands, said Mr Ajay.

Page 37: Complaints on Malls

The group is a leading supplier for marquee brands like Polo, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and Levi Strauss. It also has a diversified presence in agriculture and food processing.Black KnightJune 8th, 2009, 11:47 AMIt would be great if they can integrate the new malls with the metro stations!!krishnancvJune 8th, 2009, 02:09 PMHow about a travelator or skywalk between Light House station and Citi centre?senthisentiJune 8th, 2009, 04:56 PM^^ that sounds crazy....... do you find many of the commuters going to city center from light house station... it waste of money and space....Arul MuruganJune 9th, 2009, 03:22 AMSingle-screen theatres being transformed into multiplexes

S. Aishwarya and K. Lakshmi

Top-slot companies are keen on taking over and revamping single-screen theatres http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/09/images/2009060958320201.jpg— Photo: M. Karunakaran

MAKEOVER: Single-screen theatres are getting a new look to compete with multiplexes. Kamala Theatre in Vadapalani is one such facility.

CHENNAI: At a time when single-screen theatres were closing down complaining of poor patronage, a few theatre owners brought in a whiff of freshness into the movie-going experience. They pulled down the old structures, created facilities that can accommodate many imported screens, replaced the wobbly chairs with cosy plush leather seats, all to offer the patrons a wide choice under one roof.

With more multiplexes and few mall-multiplexes on the anvil in the city, single-screen theatres are going in for a makeover. Kamala Theatre in Vadapalani, which has been in the business for over 36 years, is being renovated to become a two-screen multiplex. The facility is scheduled to open on June 12.

“Theatres are focussing on hospitality to stay in business. We will give state-of-the-art look but pricing will be nominal. We plan to construct two more theatres,” said C.T. Valliappan, one of the directors of the theatre.

Big Bazaar, a retail chain store in Vadapalani, will house 10 screens above its 50,000 sq. ft. shopping mall on the ground floor. Anand Ram Developers will construct a mall-multiplex with a sprawling play area and a string of restaurants. “We took cue from the present multiplexes, which are doing extremely well. Many critics wrote them off since they are expensive. But people were ready to shell out more for better experience,” said Mukund Vijayan, one of the directors of the company.

Page 38: Complaints on Malls

Building theatres above malls make it economical too, he said, adding that the money could be spent in making the theatre more sophisticated. “Mall-multiplex is where the future is. People no more want to travel all the way to just watch a movie. Bringing shopping and entertainment under one roof will attract people.”

Top-slot companies are eyeing single-screen theatres as they are interested to take over and revamp them into a multiplex. A case in point is that of Royal Theatre in Villivakkam that has been taken over by AGS Cinemas. A five-screen multiplex is coming up in place of the two-decade-old theatre. “Many builders prefer prime locations but we decided to cater to the needs of residents of this area. Food joints have also become a deciding factor and the popcorn-ice cream-culture no more exists. People want full-fledged restaurants in theatre complexes,” Joison, senior manager of AGS Cinemas, said.

Several suburban theatres are facing closure due to decreasing patronage. Though cinema theatres are the only source of entertainment in suburbs, the number of theatre-goers is on the decline. Single-screen theatre owners, who are grappling with dropping revenues, are renting out the halls.

Of the eight cinema theatres in the limits of Avadi municipality, three cinema halls have been closed in the past one year. Similarly, one of the five theatres in Padi was closed recently.

Residents of Avadi complained that the ticket rates are not regularised and many of them charge more than the amount printed on the ticket. Though the ticket price would include air conditioning (AC) charges, the AC would be switched off within an hour.

S. Venkatesan, a regular theatre-goer in Ambattur, said that unlike the multiplexes in the city, suburban areas mostly have single screen theatres. Most of them lack basic amenities.

R. Bhaskar of Anna Nagar said, “I don’t visit the suburban theatres anymore with my family because of the unhygienic conditions. The parking fee collected in a theatre at Koyambedu is exorbitant. I travel either to Purasawalkam or Anna Salai to watch movies with my family. This has also become rare as I cannot afford to spend Rs. 1,000 to watch a film.”

Cinema theatre owners in Avadi and Ambattur said that they were forced to upgrade to digital theatre sound system to draw crowds. The weekend shows make the business going. Many theatres face closure due to the increasing maintenance cost and significant drop in the visitors. “We sometimes run the show for 30 visitors, which is not viable,” said a theatre owner in Avadi.

Commercial Tax Department officials said that the trend of watching movies in DVDs has forced theatres to close down. In such a scenario, the trend of mall-multiplexes is bound to become popular.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/09/stories/2009060958320200.htmRasnaboyJune 9th, 2009, 03:24 AM

Page 39: Complaints on Malls

http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/09/images/2009060958320201.jpgSingle-screen theatres are getting a new look to compete with multiplexes. Kamala Theatre in Vadapalani is one such facility.

CHENNAI: At a time when single-screen theatres were closing down complaining of poor patronage, a few theatre owners brought in a whiff of freshness into the movie-going experience. They pulled down the old structures, created facilities that can accommodate many imported screens, replaced the wobbly chairs with cosy plush leather seats, all to offer the patrons a wide choice under one roof.

With more multiplexes and few mall-multiplexes on the anvil in the city, single-screen theatres are going in for a makeover. Kamala Theatre in Vadapalani, which has been in the business for over 36 years, is being renovated to become a two-screen multiplex. The facility is scheduled to open on June 12.

“Theatres are focussing on hospitality to stay in business. We will give state-of-the-art look but pricing will be nominal. We plan to construct two more theatres,” said C.T. Valliappan, one of the directors of the theatre.

Big Bazaar, a retail chain store in Vadapalani, will house 10 screens above its 50,000 sq. ft. shopping mall on the ground floor. Anand Ram Developers will construct a mall-multiplex with a sprawling play area and a string of restaurants. “We took cue from the present multiplexes, which are doing extremely well. Many critics wrote them off since they are expensive. But people were ready to shell out more for better experience,” said Mukund Vijayan, one of the directors of the company.

Building theatres above malls make it economical too, he said, adding that the money could be spent in making the theatre more sophisticated. “Mall-multiplex is where the future is. People no more want to travel all the way to just watch a movie. Bringing shopping and entertainment under one roof will attract people.”

Top-slot companies are eyeing single-screen theatres as they are interested to take over and revamp them into a multiplex. A case in point is that of Royal Theatre in Villivakkam that has been taken over by AGS Cinemas. A five-screen multiplex is coming up in place of the two-decade-old theatre. “Many builders prefer prime locations but we decided to cater to the needs of residents of this area. Food joints have also become a deciding factor and the popcorn-ice cream-culture no more exists. People want full-fledged restaurants in theatre complexes,” Joison, senior manager of AGS Cinemas, said.

Several suburban theatres are facing closure due to decreasing patronage. Though cinema theatres are the only source of entertainment in suburbs, the number of theatre-goers is on the decline. Single-screen theatre owners, who are grappling with dropping revenues, are renting out the halls.

Of the eight cinema theatres in the limits of Avadi municipality, three cinema halls have been closed in the past one year. Similarly, one of the five theatres in Padi was closed recently.

Page 40: Complaints on Malls

Residents of Avadi complained that the ticket rates are not regularised and many of them charge more than the amount printed on the ticket. Though the ticket price would include air conditioning (AC) charges, the AC would be switched off within an hour.

S. Venkatesan, a regular theatre-goer in Ambattur, said that unlike the multiplexes in the city, suburban areas mostly have single screen theatres. Most of them lack basic amenities.

R. Bhaskar of Anna Nagar said, “I don’t visit the suburban theatres anymore with my family because of the unhygienic conditions. The parking fee collected in a theatre at Koyambedu is exorbitant. I travel either to Purasawalkam or Anna Salai to watch movies with my family. This has also become rare as I cannot afford to spend Rs. 1,000 to watch a film.”

Cinema theatre owners in Avadi and Ambattur said that they were forced to upgrade to digital theatre sound system to draw crowds. The weekend shows make the business going. Many theatres face closure due to the increasing maintenance cost and significant drop in the visitors. “We sometimes run the show for 30 visitors, which is not viable,” said a theatre owner in Avadi.

Commercial Tax Department officials said that the trend of watching movies in DVDs has forced theatres to close down. In such a scenario, the trend of mall-multiplexes is bound to become popular.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/06/09/stories/2009060958320200.htmArul MuruganJune 9th, 2009, 03:28 AMKamala theatre Vadapalani- 2 screen multiplexBig Bazaar Vadapalani- 10 screen multiplex ---- Is it U/C?AGS cinemas Villivakam - 5 screen

Looks AGS news came much before in 2006 itself.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/bline/2006/03/14/stories/2006031403001900.htmBlessJune 9th, 2009, 04:48 AMLooks AGS news came much before in 2006 itself.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/bline/2006/03/14/stories/2006031403001900.htm^^True, but getting the permissions from Govt were delayed and so the construction.dis.agreeJune 9th, 2009, 07:14 AMKamala theatre Vadapalani- 2 screen multiplexBig Bazaar Vadapalani- 10 screen multiplex ---- Is it U/C?AGS cinemas Villivakam - 5 screen

Looks AGS news came much before in 2006 itself.

Page 41: Complaints on Malls

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/bline/2006/03/14/stories/2006031403001900.htm

building over big bazaar is i think complete. they must have started internal work. but it will probably end up as low end multilex. prestige mall/multiplex on arcot road is less than 0.5 km away.sridhar_nJune 9th, 2009, 07:39 AMbuilding over big bazaar is i think complete. they must have started internal work. but it will probably end up as low end multilex. prestige mall/multiplex on arcot road is less than 0.5 km away.

And there is one more multiplex coming up in the site of erstwhile National Theatre (Virugambakkam). Too many multiplexes in that stretch. btw, is there a plan for multiplex in Prestige Mall? I'm not sure.

I don't think the multiplex in the Big Bazaar complex will be low-end.kannan infratechJune 9th, 2009, 12:32 PMThe term MULTIPLEX is misused here to denote more theatres in one complex.

Actually MULTIPLEX means using a single projector system, they can show multiple movies in multiple theatres or same movie in multiple theatres with a small time delay. Depending on the ticket sales for each show they can increase the no of screens or decrease. There are some advanced systems, wherein you can directly download movies from the satellite using a dish (like pick the flick) and screen (but in India, I have not heard anybody started using this)

The old theatres are refurbished but deliberately called Multiplex to avail the advantage of charging a higher amount for the tickets (there are govt restrictions on ticket prices for ordinary theatres)In Chennai, only Mayajal and Inox have these facilities, I think.SaravanakkumarJune 9th, 2009, 05:33 PMThe term MULTIPLEX is misused here to denote more theatres in one complex.

Actually MULTIPLEX means using a single projector system, they can show multiple movies in multiple theatres or same movie in multiple theatres with a small time delay. Depending on the ticket sales for each show they can increase the no of screens or decrease. There are some advanced systems, wherein you can directly download movies from the satellite using a dish (like pick the flick) and screen (but in India, I have not heard anybody started using this)

The old theatres are refurbished but deliberately called Multiplex to avail the advantage of charging a higher amount for the tickets (there are govt restrictions on ticket prices for ordinary theatres)In Chennai, only Mayajal and Inox have these facilities, I think.

Page 42: Complaints on Malls

In salem ARRS Multiplex is having this facility. They have 5 screens in their Multiplex and they can show the same movie in 3 or 4 theaters maximum at the same time. They have imported such a kind of projectors from china.nambi83July 4th, 2009, 04:39 PMif shopping mall in vandalur and Estancia Shopping mall in Guduvanchery is finished , it will great for the people of kanchipuram district (CHENGALPATTU, S.P KOIL,SRIPERUMBUDUR) because they have to come for chennai to see a movie.(for high class infrastructure theatres)I think the mall will be attract more people because it located on NH -45 , especially college students, because very near there was S.R.M , Valliamai , Crescent engineering, Tagore and also close to O.M.R road (20 Kms) , vandalur zoo.H FactorJuly 7th, 2009, 06:19 PMAmpa mall update:

1. Star bazaar s the hypermarket now. Initially it was spencers hypermarket2. Mall will have bowling alley and gaming zone for 10000 sq ft3. The first phase comprising of first 4 floors will be opened only before Diwali. :bash:The mall is suppose to open in 2006 & still they are hoping for completion by Diwali4. As of now, no space has been given to the occupants. 5. Ninety percent of the mall space has been leased out already.

http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/07/02/stories/2009070251211100.htm

Ampa Mall promoters plan to dilute stake in venture

Anchor tenants will be Tata’s Star Bazaar, Westside, Landmark.

A view of Ampa Mall in Chennai (file photo). — B. Jothi Ramalingam

R. Ravikumar

Chennai, July 1 The promoters of the soon-to-be-launched integrated shopping mall ‘Ampa

Page 43: Complaints on Malls

Mall’ in Chennai, Ampa Housing Development Pvt Ltd, is planning to hive off the Rs 120-crore mall into a separate entity and dilute its stake in the venture.

“We have a proposal to dilute 40 per cent equity stake in the venture to strategic investors. We have just initiated talks with a couple of private equity players,” said Mr Ampa Palaniappan, Managing Director, Ampa Housing.

However, declining to spell out more details on this, he said it will be too premature to say anything on this now. “Currently, our priority is to launch the mall before the end of this year,” he said.

The eight-level (including two basement levels), 6.5 lakh sq. ft Ampa Mall will have retail outlets, entertainment zones, a 20-room boutique hotel, a seven-screen multiplex and food courts.

Mr Palaniappan said almost 90 per cent of the property has been leased out for three to 21 years to various big brands. “We are hopeful of identifying suitable partners to occupy the rest of the space very soon.”

According to him, Tata’s hypermarket venture Star Bazaar has taken 56,000 sq. ft and Trent Ltd’s Westside has also taken 36,000 sq. ft and Landmark (again part of Trent Ltd) has taken 20,000 sq. ft.

PVR Cinema will run the multiplex.

The mall will also feature a bowling alley and other games zones in 10,000 sq. ft. There will be a total of 20 food courts run by various national and international brands, including KFC, McDonald’s .

“More importantly the mall will have multi-level parking lots which will accommodate a total of 1,000 cars,” Mr Palaniappan said. The company has also appointed Jones Lang LaSalle Meghraj to maintain the property.

According to Mr Palaniappan, currently interior works are on in the building and some of the floors will be handed over to the clients in a month’s time. “Our idea is to launch the first phase of the mall (four floors) before Diwali this year.”Kewl BattyJuly 7th, 2009, 06:23 PMExpress Avenue launch likely by year-end

Source (http://www.blonnet.com/2009/07/06/stories/2009070651101300.htm)

Chennai, July 5 ‘Express Avenue’, by far Chennai’s largest shopping mall, is likely to be launched in the next few months.

“Close to 60 per cent of the retail space has already been leased out for six to nine-year term, and

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we are hoping to launch the Phase I by the end of this year,” said Mr Kim Culley, Head, Mall Operations, Express Infrastructure.

The over 12-lakh sq. ft complex will have a total of nine lakh sq. ft retail space, two-lakh sq. ft office space and a 60-70 room hotel at a built-up area of over one lakh sq. ft.

The promoter of the project, Express Newspaper Pvt Ltd, has invested close to Rs 400 crore in the project – “funded through internal accruals and debt”.

The “destination mall” will also feature an eight-screen multiplex, likely to be run by Sathyam Cinema group, a 40,000-sq. ft theme-based food court, parking facility for 1,700 cars, 14 lifts, eight escalators and a travelator.

According to people in the know, a Future Group’s retail brand will run a hyper market. Marks & Spencer and Dubai-based Landmark group’s LifeStyle will also be anchor stores.

Sources also said the lease rental is fixed at Rs 200 a sq. ft, and the mall will be maintained by the company itself.

Neither denying nor confirming any of this, Mr Culley said, “Majority of the country’s major retail brands will be there”.coolmukundJuly 7th, 2009, 06:40 PM^^^^

well as far as the ampa mall is concerned....i am happy. "Better Late than Never". and as far as the hypermarket is good, it doesn't matter who runs it. so that's not a prob. and i heard that mainland china is also opening a restaurant there. is it true???

But it is a shame on ampa mall when we compare it to express estates mall. look at them. they started work from foundation and are now ready to open by year end. that is remarkable.

and i cant wait for PVR Cinemas to come to chennai. wow......:banana:Kewl BattyJuly 7th, 2009, 07:03 PM^^ Personally, PVR Cinemas Experience is nothing compared to Sathyam Cinemas Experience!coolmukundJuly 7th, 2009, 07:11 PMoh is it????? ya, as of now sathyam is the best in business in the city. no doubt about it. i had lot of expectations from inox. but according to me it is a miserable flop in front of sathyam. i hope pvr is not that bad atleast.H FactorJuly 7th, 2009, 07:21 PM^^^^

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well as far as the ampa mall is concerned....i am happy. "Better Late than Never". and as far as the hypermarket is good, it doesn't matter who runs it. so that's not a prob. and i heard that mainland china is also opening a restaurant there. is it true???

But it is a shame on ampa mall when we compare it to express estates mall. look at them. they started work from foundation and are now ready to open by year end. that is remarkable.

and i cant wait for PVR Cinemas to come to chennai. wow......:banana:

No idea abt Mainland china. But PVR will start only next year. They are gng to open 7 screens in Ampa which is in Q4 FY10. Which means btw Jan & March 2010.Arul MuruganJuly 15th, 2009, 05:52 AMHandloom mall at Co-optex complex

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai: A handloom mall will come up inside the Co-optex headquarters on Pantheon Road in Egmore at a cost of Rs 35 crore, said KKSSR Ramachandran, minister for handlooms and textiles.

Moving the demand for grants in the Assembly on Tuesday, the minister said the mall would be the place for display and sale of handloom products in the city. The introduction and adoption of market friendly strategies by Co-optex has resulted in a record profit of Rs 12.35 crore in 2007, which was expected to go up marginally in 2008, he added.

TOIBlack KnightJuly 17th, 2009, 12:53 PMhttp://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv134/pradeep1986/untitled.jpg

http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv134/pradeep1986/inoxinchennai.jpggvenkeJuly 17th, 2009, 09:23 PMCHENNAI: Ampa Housing is planning to launch its flagship project ‘Ampa Skywalk’ in Chennai by the end of next month. This will be a mall with international standards coming up at Nelson Manickam Road. The mall will have a huge multi-level car parking area up to the terrace, says a release.

source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/17/stories/2009071753041400.htmSathisht77July 17th, 2009, 09:52 PMCHENNAI: Ampa Housing is planning to launch its flagship project ‘Ampa Skywalk’ in Chennai by the end of next month. This will be a mall with international standards coming up at Nelson Manickam Road. The mall will have a huge multi-level car parking area up to the terrace,

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says a release.

source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/07/17/stories/2009071753041400.htm

Is this the much delayed mall from AMPA ? OR are they launching a new mall apart from the AMPA Centre one or something like thatArul MuruganJuly 18th, 2009, 04:35 AMExpress avenue - near to Anna Salai

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2009/07/18/27/Img/Pc0270400.jpg

Ampa Mall - Ponamallae High road

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/getimage.dll?path=TOICH/2009/07/18/27/Img/Pc0270500.jpg

TOI

Looks Ampa mall pic is from this forum?Arul MuruganJuly 18th, 2009, 04:41 AMMallville

It's time for mall mania. Chennai's mall space is getting set to compete with Mumbai and Delhi, says Ramesh Nair…

Until recently, the biggest grouse one heard from new residents who moved to Chennai from cities like Mumbai and Delhi, was that Chennai didn’t have enough large-format shopping malls. That is set to change, soon. In the last few years, the organised retail sector in India has expanded like never before, courtesy a stable economy, favourable demographics, rising income, changing lifestyles and consumer aspirations of a fastgrowing middle-class. Chennai will soon benefit from this organised retail boom with the opening of two large malls - Express Avenue (off Anna Salai) and AMPA Skywalk (Poonamallee High Road) in the next few months.

These malls are expected to be well maintained and managed professionally without multiple-ownership, which will, in turn, help better the long term management of mall space as a whole. So far, Chennai has faced a dearth of quality international retailers due to the non-availability of adequate mall space despite retail rentals in Chennai being reasonable when compared with other metros.

With retailers currently facing many challenges like thin margins and competitive pressure between brands, the long term success of these malls will much depend on how mall owners promote their malls with a host of in-house promotional activities that can generate good

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footfalls along with more impulse buying. It is imperative that these malls create a distinct brand and value proposition for themselves in the market. Only then will they be successful in attracting shoppers from the traditional high streets.

CHENNAI HIGH STREET VALUES

Chennai’s retail rent values per sq ft is mapped out in the graph above. High streets are a generic name for areas that are the primary retail centres of any urban centre. Chennai’s high streets show a stable monthly rent that is much lower than comparable areas in Mumbai and Delhi whose monthly rent figures are closer to Rs250 per sq ft. Khader Nawaz Khan road is the most desirable retail destination in Chennai with monthly rents between Rs100 and Rs150 per sq ft. TNagar lists rents between Rs80 to Rs150 per sq ft. 2nd Ave, Anna Nagar follows closely commanding rents of Rs80 to Rs120 per sq ft. The values reflect ground-floor standalone store rentals which drives the basis of rental negotiations.

AMPA SKYWALK

AMPA Skywalk is located on Poonamallee High Road (PH Road) at the intersection of Nelson Manickam Road and PH Road and will have a total leasable space of approximately 3,00,000 sq ft, making it the largest mall in west Chennai. When fully operational, the mall can house 90 stores, with anchor stores like Westside, Star India Bazaar (the first hyper-mart in Chennai), Landmark and PVR Cinemas. Retail names such as McDonalds, KFC, Giordano, Titan, Benetton, Levis, Baccarose, Nike, Dockers, Van Heusen, Wills Lifestyle, Bossini, Adidas, Reebok, Planet M, Bose, Biba, Mustard and Louis Philippe have already planned to open shop here. Along with familiar names, many international brands are making their Chennai entry in this mall and the consumer response to AMPA Skywalk is expected to be extremely positive given the strategic location and this tenancy mix.

In addition to the retail space, the current plans include a seven-screen multiplex on 50,000 sq ft operated by PVR Cinemas, who will make their Chennai entry with this mall, a large specialty food court, fine dining including names TGIF (the first in Chennai) and a family entertainment zone. The mall will have over 1,200 parking spaces across two basements and a multi-level car park (of 12 levels) and the terrace. In addition to this, the mall will also house a 20-room boutique hotel. Spread over three acres, AMPA Skywalk is expected to cater to the shopping needs of central and western Chennai. The mall has been developed by Ampa Housing and is designed by Cheralathan Architects. The mall is expected to open by Diwali 2009; retail levels of ground to third floor are expected to open by the first week of September.

EXPRESS AVENUE

Express Avenue, which is located on Club House Road, off Anna Salai will have a total leasable retail space of approximately 9 lakh sq ft, thereby making it the largest mall not just in Chennai, but South India. The mall will be surrounded by roads on all four sides - Anna Salai, Pattulos Road, Woods Road and Whites Road - which makes it easily accessible. Spread over 11 acres, Express Avenue is expected to become the premier retail destination in Chennai.

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On completion, it will surpass the previously largest mall in Chennai, Spencer Plaza in terms of size. When fully occupied and operational, the mall is slated to house around 200 retailers and will have anchor space taken up by the Future Group and the Landmark Group. With such a large size, Express Avenue enables itself to cater to the demand of all formats of shopping needed in Chennai.

The conceptual design of the mall is by SAA Architects of Singapore and the firm, Design Plus, the architect. The design incorporates green building features and promises to be a benchmark of class in Indian retail. The construction is being carried out by BL Kashyap. The mall is expected to show that with the right blend of good design, top brand names and a central location, a mall in Chennai can be highly successful. This mall is expected to open by end of 2009.

HighlightsThree levels of retailA mix of 200 luxury, premium and popular brandsAn exclusive entertainment zoneEight-screen multiplex set across 70,000 sq ftA 50,000-sq ft specialty food court1 lakh sq ft boutique hotelParking to accommodate 1,700 cars across 3 levelsAmple two-wheeler parkingsridhar_nJuly 18th, 2009, 05:36 AM[^^Great News....and its blessing in disguise for Ampa, it's going to come up when the market and sentiments are looking up...the colors look bit weird...and another eyesore for Ampa will the buckingham canal nearby...

Express Mall has come up in record time.

Any news on the Chennai Central??

And I heard Big Bazaar has opened in Pondy Bazaar..hows it and where exactly is the location?Kewl BattyJuly 18th, 2009, 08:09 AM^^ LOL... Don't even try comparing Big Bazaars with these... Thats juzz another provisional store in a big building without any proper parking facilities! :ohno:

I wonder how did they allow them to build it in panagal park without proper parking facilities!neohistorymanJuly 18th, 2009, 11:22 AMSridhar, it is the Coovum adjacent to Ampa mall and not Buckingham Canal. May turn out to be an advantage too if the river is cleaned up!sridhar_nJuly 18th, 2009, 01:50 PM^^but then when????

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Big Bazaar is in Pondy Bazaar, and you are right, there is hardly any space there, forget parking space...

and talking abt pondy bazaar, i heard that there is a plan to build a shopping complex to house the pavement vendors now encroaching the area...this is to ease the traffic...any update on this plan??die4chennaiJuly 19th, 2009, 04:46 AMCHENNAI: Gurgaon-BASED realty major DLF has dropped its plan to develop a mall

on upmarket Commander-in-Chief Road in Chennai as the ongoing economic slowdown has affected consumer spending.

The company has now sought permission to develop the land as a premium residential project, scotching market rumours that it was trying to sell the land it bought four years ago.

“We have completed the design process. We are awaiting approvals to announce the launch of our residential project during October-November this year,” DLF Southern Homes director KK Raman told ET on Friday.

In 2005, DLF Commercial Developers acquired the 4.41-acre property from German major Mico Bosch for about Rs 138 crore and had intended to develop it as a retail-cum-office complex. Later, it revised the plans and applied for a multi-storey building status, hoping to develop the property as a mall.

Now, for the second time, the company is revamping its plans. It has approached the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority to permit its reclassification so that the land can be developed as a residential project.

Incidentally, the latest move to get a residential classification took place soon after it got the approval for setting up the mall. At that time, a senior DLF official said, “We have to be nimble and flexible in business and work out contingency plans. All plans are possible.” Mumbai-based architect Hafeez Contractor has completed the design for the residential project. The space available would range from 1,350 sq ft to 2,700 sq ft.

Typically, a premium residential project in this upmarket area would fetch Rs 10,000 to Rs 11,000 per sq ft. Lease rental is pegged at Rs 100 per sq ft. The construction cost of a mall, exclusive of the land cost, works out to Rs 2,000 per sq ft, according to an industry expert.

Asked about the status of its 3,493-apartment Garden City project on Old Mahabalipuram Road, Mr Raman said DLF is waiting for the market to firm up before it decides to launch the third and final phase, which would release 1,493 apartments.

Of the 2,100 apartments launched in two phases — 1000 and 1100 units — 1,580 apartments have been sold. This is inclusive of the net cancellations which saw the exit of 400 buyers from

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the project. Thereafter, DLF had to revise its prices. Work has began at the site and apartments are to be delivered on schedule in the first quarter of the 2011-12 financial year.

DLF had expressed its intent to pass on a timely payment rebate of Rs 200 per sq ft. It had slashed its prices from Rs 2,500 to Rs 2,600 per sq ft against Rs 2,800 to Rs 3,200 per sq ft for its existing customers. For new customers, the basic price was fixed at Rs 2,750 per sq ft. Mr Raman claimed that every month the company is selling 75 to 80 units.

Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News-by-Industry/DLF-opts-for-residential-project/articleshow/4792173.cmsArul MuruganJuly 20th, 2009, 08:03 AMhttp://i31.tinypic.com/zwddzp.jpg

Market City , Chennai - located at Velachery with approximately 2.40 million square foot (including 0.45 million square foot of parking) of developable area.

In addition to the usual Market City components, Market City Chennai is expected to include an IT park.Velachery is fast emerging as a commercial and retail destination owing to the proximity to the airport and established IT parks, like Tidal IT Park, Elnet Software Park etc

Catchment areas are old Mahabalipuram road (IT area), Guindy (IT sector and our site faces Guindy National Park, a tourist destination), race course, Adambakkam (residential), Mount Road, city centre (high street retail shops), Adyar (residential and upcoming retail zone, proximity to IT park), Koramangala Nungambakkam (up-market high street retail showroom). The hotel component on our development will attract corporate clientele visiting Chennai.

Market City Chennai will have additional special elements hence that will be highlight of our development. The strategy is to achieve maximum rental through placement of right zoning and right tenant mix. We have identified the space for every retailer based on their category and the size requirement. Thanks to the prime area and size, this site will truly become the complete destination and a must-visit on the tourist sightseeing agenda. We don't limit ourselves to the catchment of 5-10 km radius, because the endeavor is to make a ‘city within a city' and extend the catchment to the entire city.

http://www.thephoenixmills.com/retail-market-city-chennai.aspArul MuruganJuly 20th, 2009, 08:19 AMTotal Land Area 7,20,000 sftTotal Retail Area 6,30,000 sftOffice Area 4,30,000 sftHotel Room 264 nos 2,80,000 sftHotel Retail Area 1,200 sft

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Entertainment Area 41,000 sftF & B Area 84,000 sftMultiplex 1,08,000 sftService Apartment 174 nos 1,00,000 sftNight Club 8,000 sftParking Area for Main Mall (Mall+Hotel+S.A) 1,700 nos 6,35,000 sft

Nos of levelsRetail 5 lvls Lower ground, Ground, First, Second, Third (Multiplex & projection lvl.)Parking (Mall) 12 lvls B2 (Full), B1& Mezzanine of MLCP, Ground + 8lvls of MLCP.Hotel 11 lvls B2 +B1+ Ground + Lounge+ Service & BOH + 6 Flrs of Rooms (Shangri-La)Service Apt 11 lvls B2 +B1+ Ground + Service+ 7 Flrs of Roomscommercial/ IT Office 12 lvls (G+8 Flrs)B3, B2, B1, Ground + 8 flrsParking (office)a B3, B2, B1 & Ground

Source:http://www.thephoenixmills.com/retail-market-city-chennai-snap-shots.asp

Is it under construction? Any updates?coolmukundJuly 20th, 2009, 04:44 PMIs it under construction? Any updates?

yes it is very much under construction. it comes on the right side just before the intersection of velachery main road and velachery bypass when you come from guindy. it is a very huge compound and the foundation work is still going on. the work started like about a year ago. i think they are developing the basement levels now. initially i thought that this was the DLF Mall in Chennai. but only now after seeing the above post do i realize that this is phoenix mills' property. i don't think anything about this has come in the newspapers. has it?? the only development in velachery that i heard about was the DLF's acquisition of Race Course Land for a lease of 99 years.sridhar_nJuly 28th, 2009, 10:45 AMI browsed through their website. The layout plan was impressive and it also says they are planning a 5 star hotel in the area.

But the site didn't have any details on the progress of the project and photographs. I hope something is going on there at site.die4chennaiJuly 28th, 2009, 04:15 PMAverage mall vacancy levels in major cities in the country have been on a gradual rise moving from 16 per cent in January to about 19 per cent at the end of June 2009, according to real estate services firm Cushman & Wakefield.

The southern cities of Bangalore, Chennai and Hyderabad also witnessed an increase in mall vacancy rates that rose from 2.77 per cent in January to seven per cent in June.

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While demand for mall space had been slow across locations, there was also an apparent preference for high streets in certain markets, the firm said in a statement here today.

In the south, the increase was also a result of the additional 1.2 million square feet mall space that became operational in Q2.

While vacancy in Bangalore almost doubled to 6 per cent and Hyderabad witnessed significant increase from 6 per cent in January to the current 17 per cent, Chennai remained fairly same as last quarter with the expected supply being deferred to year end.

Hyderabad witnessed the largest infusion of mall supply of approximately 4,50,000 sq ft followed by Bangalore which saw an additional 3,00,000 sq ft of fresh mall supply.

Kolkata (2,15,000 sq ft) and National Capital Region (1,75,000) were the other markets that saw addition of new supply to mall spaces. Many upcoming malls have been deferred to the future or in certain cases withdrawn given the rather lukewarm response from retailers, the release said.

Retail activities continued to be subdued for the second subsequent quarter in 2009 as retailers continued to remain apprehensive towards expansion across India.

Mall supply was only marginally higher by 3 per cent from the previous quarter and was recorded at 1.14 million sq ft in the April-June period.

Meanwhile, estimated mall supply for 2009 reduced by 50 per cent of the previous estimate on account of delays in construction projects, deferment of mall space and also some withdrawal of previously announced retail projects.

Thus, the expected mall supply by end of 2009 for seven major cities across the country was recalibrated to 8.55 million sq ft.

http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/average-mall-vacancy-increase-in-south-cities/69028/ongreatshankarJuly 28th, 2009, 07:17 PMRamee Mall

http://rameemall.comrobertashokJuly 29th, 2009, 06:56 AMI remember this place, it is not operational since my college days, more than 10 yrs i suppose.sridhar_nJuly 29th, 2009, 08:25 AMI remember this place, it is not operational since my college days, more than 10 yrs i suppose.

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That place actually used to be samadhi of one of the early british saints...It was called Abbotsbury and is jinxed right from the beginning. Subbarami Reddy of Balaji group who first started the project died and then when it was taken over by hotelier Lalit Suri, he too died in an accident..

Hyatt are very brave to have taken up this project...they must have done some puja/ homam to drive away the evil spirits, I suppose....

an article abt that place...

From Abbotsbury to Hyatt? S.MUTHIAH

It was recently reported that that ghost of a tinted glass tower in Teynampet, overlooking Anna Arivalayam, had at last found a new owner _ Hyatt International, the worldwide hotel chain. The sepulchral building had in recent years become better known as the `Oberoi', the Oberoi Group having been scheduled to manage the property that Magunta Subbarama Reddy was building before he suddenly died under tragic circumstances. With the funds no longer forthcoming, the Oberois pulled out and the completed shell _ only the interiors need to be completed, I'm told _ was allowed to languish for nearly a decade.While all this was going on, the original name of the property, not so long ago a landmark name, was forgotten. These days, when I say `Abbotsbury' to a young auto or car driver, I'm often met with a blank stare.

But from when was the name `Abbotsbury' used for what undoubtedly was at one time a garden house? A 1942 map shows it as Teynampet Villa - and that could well have been the name when P.S. Viswanatha Iyer, I.C.S., lived there, the property being the Government quarters he was allotted in the late 1940s. During World War II, it was, I'm told, requisitioned by the Government for the Services _ but to what use was it put? By the time I first heard of it in the early 1950s, it was Abbotsbury _ and Madras's most prestigious kalyana mandapam. Owned by whom, I don't know, but somewhere along the way it became Tarapore property. They gifted it to Sai Baba of Puttaparthi _ who sold it to the Magunta Reddys in, if memory serves me right, the 1990s.

As a marriage hall luxurious for the times, it hosted many a VIP wedding. I'm told two of the three Travancore Sisters _ Lalitha, Padmini, and Ragini _ got married here. A wag has it that an Abbot was buried here _ and not only is that why it was called Abbotsbury, but it also accounted for it being star-crossed, with several high profile weddings ending not exactly happy ever after.ferrari_fanJuly 29th, 2009, 09:14 AMHyatt are very brave to have taken up this project...they must have done some puja/ homam to drive away the evil spirits, I suppose....

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:rofl:singanikavJuly 29th, 2009, 11:31 AMHuge multiplex project is currently going in vadapalani(near AVM studio and big bazaar) and virugambakkam(old national theatre). Can anybody tell the details of those projects?ferrari_fanJuly 29th, 2009, 01:52 PM^^ The one in Vadapalani is the new Forum Mall by Prestige... No idea about Virugambakkam though..sridhar_nJuly 29th, 2009, 02:53 PM^^

Big Bazaar has taken only the ground floor, and the building is apparently 7 - 8 storeys tall, I heard a multiplex, hotel and a shopping area is planned..a multilevel parking is also being built...am not sure if this project is slowed down coz of recession.

A Mall & multiplex is coming up in the national theatre land in virugambakkam...when i saw it around a year back, the completion date was mentioned as end 2009. I also read somewhere that they are scouting for partners for multiplex. Not sure about the progress..

can anyone who lives in that area give more details on both these projects...

And then there is the Prestige Mall in the erstwhile Vijaya Seshmahal site. I heard that the progress is pretty good. And another Forum Mall is planned in Mount Road, if I'm right.

I also want someone to provide updates on the Pheonix market city..this is a massive project.coolmukundJuly 29th, 2009, 02:59 PMThe multiplex that is coming in the Forum Mall in Vadapalani is going to be operated by Sathyam Cinemas.Arul MuruganJuly 29th, 2009, 03:42 PMHuge multiplex project is currently going in vadapalani(near AVM studio and big bazaar) and virugambakkam(old national theatre). Can anybody tell the details of those projects?

http://www.theforumexperience.com/

One more forum mall on Anna Salai? Any rendering of malls at Vadapalani and Anna Salai?

It is raining mall in Chennai from 2007, but none of them getting opened.die4chennaiJuly 29th, 2009, 03:56 PMHi folks... i jus hav a question... i was just browsing about big malls of India..

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With the built-up space of 9 lakh sq.ft, Is Express Mall the biggest in India? (bigger than Mall of India?)tokavinJuly 29th, 2009, 07:05 PMMall of India is 4 times bigger than Express Mallsridhar_nJuly 30th, 2009, 06:22 AMMall of India is 4 times bigger than Express Mall

Mall of India is an under-construction shopping mall in Gurgaon, India. When completed, it will cover an area of 4,500,000-square-foot (418,100 m2), making it the largest mall ever built in India and one of the largest in the world. It will have a built-up area of 6 million sq feet (55.74 hectares).

The mall is being developed by DLF Universal. It will be located on the NH-8 highway right at the Delhi - Gurgaon border, near the existing Ambi Mall. It will be spread over 32 acres (129,500 m2) and will have parking space for 10,000 cars.The mall was due to be open for shoppers by October 2009 but has been pushed back to December 2011 because of changes to its design to include an office complex.

It is expected to cost 1500 crore INR ($298 million) to build.++++

with the financial mess DLF is in today, I don't think this project will be completed as envisaged.die4chennaiJuly 31st, 2009, 08:31 PMwe gonna get the largest multiplex in India(phoenix city,velachery), largest hotel in India(ITC grand chola) and many more to followcoolmukundAugust 12th, 2009, 03:48 PMhey i created this map that shows the locations of various upcoming malls, multiplexes and hotels in the city. hope it is useful to someone. you can also zoom the map fully to see the actual size of the location. :cheers:http://maps.google.co.in/maps/ms?client=firefox-a&hl=en&ie=UTF8&msa=0&msid=102849646173874017219.00046fece3eeb66b2aa4f&ll=13.049473,80.210001&spn=0.080437,0.110378&t=h&z=13die4chennaiAugust 12th, 2009, 05:54 PM^^ Great work Mukund.. By the way DLF is not constructing the proposed mall in Egmore... it is rather going with a residential complex in that landdie4chennaiAugust 12th, 2009, 06:01 PM^^ Some of the malls that you hav planned to update in the future might include Forum(Mount Road),Coromandel Plaza(OMR),Gold Souke(Vandalur),Allied Group-Arihant Mall(OMR),Spectrum Mall(Perambur)coolmukund

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August 12th, 2009, 06:15 PM^^ Great work Mukund.. By the way DLF is not constructing the proposed mall in Egmore... it is rather going with a residential complex in that land

Thank you die4chennai...DLF initially planned to build two malls in Chennai, one in egmore and one in velachery (property of madras race club). DLF then dropped plans to build the mall in the velachery property due to economic reasons and decided to start a residential project there. the mall in egmore is still on.

and hey!!! this is my 100th post :) :banana:coolmukundAugust 12th, 2009, 06:17 PM^^ Some of the malls that you hav planned to update in the future might include Forum(Mount Road),Coromandel Plaza(OMR),Gold Souke(Vandalur),Allied Group-Arihant Mall(OMR),Spectrum Mall(Perambur)

can you please tell me the exact location of these malls so that i can mark them on the map. i am aware of these projects but am not sure of the exact location of these. that's why i did not mark them.die4chennaiAugust 13th, 2009, 03:25 AMNo mukund... They dropped the mall plan in Egmore also(Commander in Chief road)

Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News-by-Industry/DLF-opts-for-residential-project/articleshow/4792173.cmsnatarajan1986August 13th, 2009, 10:49 AMexpress mall is near clock tower?where is mall of india?coolmukundAugust 13th, 2009, 12:55 PM^^

ya express estates mall is on the royapettah clock tower signal.

and mall of india is not in chennai. it is in delhicoolmukundAugust 13th, 2009, 01:04 PMNo mukund... They dropped the mall plan in Egmore also(Commander in Chief road)

Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News-by-Industry/DLF-opts-for-residential-project/articleshow/4792173.cms

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oh, so the velachery mall is still on??? they did not mention anything about their velachery property in that article.AnniyanAugust 13th, 2009, 03:05 PMoh, so the velachery mall is still on??? they did not mention anything about their velachery property in that article.

both are dropped i think.die4chennaiAugust 13th, 2009, 03:16 PMboth are dropped i think.

Velachery mall is still on.. They plan to begin the construction anytime soonerdie4chennaiAugust 13th, 2009, 03:17 PM^^

Last month, DLF officials said it had plans to launch a project of plots and houses at Sriperumbadur and begin construction of its 7 lakh sq ft premium luxury mall project on Velachery. In an email response, DLF ED J Subrahmanian said "our Velachery property will be developed as a mall only."

Source:

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News-By-Industry/Services/Property--Cstruction/DLF-plans-to-change-mall-project-into-residential-complex/articleshow/4417572.cmsbonoslack7August 25th, 2009, 07:14 AMA Cushman & Wakefield report says malls across the country saw high vacancies, especially in the second quarter of 2009 when the country was still feeling the after-effects of the global meltdown. Ahmedabad, with one of the highest perceived per capita incomes in the country, also recorded the highest mall vacancy rate at 39.4 per cent, according to the report by the real-estate services firm.However, the reason for the vacancy is not just the ongoing slowdown, one needs to look deeper — the factors behind mall development and the inherent nature of the city, say those in the business.

Though the report attributes the main reason for such a high rate of vacancy to existing retailers vacating space in established malls, Mr Rajkumar Pugalia of Gallops Mall says that the reasons for a high percentage could be multiple. “There can be two reasons for Ahmedabad recording the highest rate of mall vacancies. First, the exit of big-ticket mall developers such as India Bulls created an impact and, second, since Ahmedabad is a smaller place than, say, Mumbai, the percentages automatically appear inflated.”

According to the report, the rate of vacancy in Ahmedabad is higher than that of NCR at 26 per cent, Mumbai at 9 per cent and Chennai at 1 per cent. While Mumbai more or less maintained the same rate, the rate in Chennai was attributed to lack of new mall supply.

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The average vacancy across malls in major cities of India increased from 10 per cent in the first quarter of 2009 to 19 per cent in the second quarter due to a slowdown in the uptake of mall space and churn amongst the existing clients, according to Cushman. This increase in the vacancy was critical in bringing about further correction in the mall rentals.Recession apart

Apart from the obvious reasons of mall vacancy due to recessionary blues, the more pertinent cause of this was fundamental to the way retailers managed the business, says Mr Prodipta Sen, Vice-President, Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Alpha G:Corp.

“While everybody jumped onto the retail bandwagon, nobody really understood what a retail development should be like. Retailers went berserk in going and booking space in all the malls. So a huge amount of money got stuck and developments scheduled to be delivered did not happen. Add to that, the economic recession happened, so everybody started downsizing.” AlphaOne is in the process of setting up a mall at Vastrapur in Ahmedabad along with projects in Amritsar, Karnal, Jaipur and Meerut.

Ahmedabad witnessed highest vacancy as well as highest mall rental correction. The sharpest decline in mall rental values was recorded at 39 per cent over the previous quarter on the Sarkhej Gandhinagar Highway and at 23 per cent at Vastrapur, the two current hotspots of upcoming projects.

Most malls during the period went for a reduction of retail space, such as Reliance Fresh, which sold off an entire floor of its mall. Though some parties are now showing an interest to enter the mall space in Ahmedabad, no new malls came up in the past two quarters in the city, according to Mr Pugalia. There are two projects in the pipeline for the next five years, he added.

Another reason for the mall debacle in the city is that very few malls have been designed the way they should be according to international standards, says Mr Sen. “The operating cost of the retailer is increasing and if the developer wants to make money at the cost of the retailer, it is not going to work.”Volatility in rentals

“Volatility in rental values was visible in main streets where many locations saw a correction.” said Mr Jaideep Wahi, Director, Agency, Retail Services, Cushman & Wakefield.

Main street rental values continued to show a downward trend with most micro markets witnessing further corrections in the range of 5 per cent to 7 per cent, largely due to lack of activities and churn due to many retailers vacating the existing spaces. The sharpest decline was recorded in Ahmedabad’s Satellite Road that saw a correction of 21 per cent as a result of subdued activities from retailers in the city.

Expected mall supply by end of 2009 reduced to 8.55 million sq.ft, which is approximately 50 per cent lower than estimated at the beginning of the year. This reduced supply is on account of delays in construction projects, deferment of mall space and also some withdrawal of previously

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announced retail projects.

Slowdown in retail demand in many micro markets led to rental values either remaining stable or correcting marginally in the range of 5 per cent to 10 per cent over the previous quarter, according to the report.More correction likely

“The expected supply for malls has been greatly reduced since the beginning of the year owing to reasons such as slowdown in construction and in certain cases complete withdrawal of projects. We are likely to see further corrections going forward as a result of renegotiations. Retailers are looking at changing their business understanding with upcoming malls into a revenue share or minimum guarantee model as an alternate to fixed rental model as previously employed,” said Mr Wahi. AlphaOne has got 70 per cent of its retailers on board for the upcoming mall at Vastrapur, but Mr Sen says that renegotiations are on.

“Retailers have not backed out, they are coming on board. But instead of five shops booked, they are now signing up for two. They want to triple the amount of business per sq.ft because everybody is stretched, a revenue-share model is the only one that will work.”

The ‘wait and watch’ policy adopted by major retailers by postponing the fit-outs in pre-committed mall space has delayed the commencement of new malls in Ahmedabad. Reduced consumer spending has forced retailers to right-size their portfolios.

Reduced demand for retail space and low business confidence among retailers is expected to impact uptake in next 3-6 months. However, increasing vacancy and further delays in completion of malls are likely to result in marginal mall supply in near future.sridhar_nAugust 25th, 2009, 02:44 PMThe website http://www.phoenixmarketcity.in/chennai/chennai_vertical.html about the project is quite impressive. Can anyone update on the progress with some pictures pls.bonoslack7August 25th, 2009, 03:25 PMhttp://www.phoenixmarketcity.in/chennai/chennai_walkthrough.html India's first 12 screen multiplex and indoor waterfall cascade :rock:Sathisht77August 25th, 2009, 07:08 PMhttp://www.phoenixmarketcity.in/chennai/chennai_walkthrough.html India's first 12 screen multiplex and indoor waterfall cascade :rock:

Iam yet to see a mall that is including residential apartments as part of their mix. Do we have such anywhere in India?bonoslack7August 25th, 2009, 09:24 PM^^

It is impractical to integrate residential space and malls and I havnt heard of any. Moreover, I

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think the closest example of this kind of setup would be Estancia, malls and houses separately, within a compound.robertashokAugust 26th, 2009, 02:51 AMhttp://www.phoenixmarketcity.in/chennai/chennai_walkthrough.html India's first 12 screen multiplex and indoor waterfall cascade :rock:

I think PVR Cinemas in Forum has 12 screenssridhar_nAugust 26th, 2009, 06:18 AM^^

It is impractical to integrate residential space and malls and I havnt heard of any. Moreover, I think the closest example of this kind of setup would be Estancia, malls and houses separately, within a compound.

But couple of the new projects are coming up with this concept and includes a 4/5 Star hotel + service apartments. Eg. Metrozone, Estancia, ( not sure about the one coming up in the Binny Mills land area)Kewl BattyAugust 26th, 2009, 08:48 AMI think PVR Cinemas in Forum has 12 screens

PVR is coming up in Ampa Mall and not in forum... and it is a 7-screen Multiplex.

Source (http://www.ampa.co.in/ampamall/mallplayers.html)robertashokAugust 26th, 2009, 08:59 AMPVR is coming up in Ampa Mall and not in forum... and it is a 7-screen Multiplex.

Source (http://www.ampa.co.in/ampamall/mallplayers.html)

i was talking about PVR in forum,bangalorebonoslack7August 26th, 2009, 12:47 PM^^

PVR at Forum, Bangalore has 11 screens.die4chennaiAugust 26th, 2009, 06:32 PMPVR bangalore has 11 screens which will be thrown to second by the multiplex in Phoenix... Multiplex that has the highest no. of screens in chennai currently is Mayajaal with 10 screensrobertashokAugust 27th, 2009, 06:18 AMPVR bangalore has 11 screens which will be thrown to second by the multiplex in Phoenix... Multiplex that has the highest no. of screens in chennai currently is Mayajaal with 10 screens

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Mayajaal.

you can get ticket always, mostly people go there for :banana::banana::cheers::cheers:

for the amount they charge for everything it is very very poorly maintained.

the most irritatble thing is restroom, i will give -1 out 10 for Mayajaal.Shan_SaraAugust 27th, 2009, 08:20 AMMayajaal.

you can get ticket always, mostly people go there for :banana::banana::cheers::cheers:

for the amount they charge for everything it is very very poorly maintained.

the most irritatble thing is restroom, i will give -1 out 10 for Mayajaal.

Its not quite like that.Mayajaal is a good place to spend time as we have both the Cinemas and resturents .May b they charge more,but definitely people do not go there just for :banana::banana::cheers::cheers:....

Its a long drive on the ECR combined with good entertainment .Not like congested Banglore City's Malls and trafficnatarajan1986August 27th, 2009, 08:29 AM^^good reply :lol:bonoslack7September 1st, 2009, 11:30 AMhttp://www.samaylive.com/news/rs-750-crore-hightech-multiplex-to-be-built-in-chennai/652980.html

Chennai-based Sathyam Cinemas, an entertainment service provider, and Express Infrastructure, today signed an agreement to construct an 'high-tech' multiplex-- 'Express Avenue' here--at an estimated cost of Rs 750 crore.

Under the agreement, Sathyam cinemas would operate the multiplex to be built over ten acres.

Express Avenue would be the first mall in the city to combine a shopping centre, office space and boutique hotel, Express Avenue COO Kim Culley told reporters here.

"The project is expected to be completed by this year end and would be fully operational by the beginning of next year", he said.

Claming that this multiplex would be the largest in south India, Sathyam Cinemas Chief

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Operations Officer Tan Ngaronga said with eight screens Sathyam Cinemas at Express Avenue would be the destination point for every movie lover in the city.coolmukundSeptember 1st, 2009, 03:11 PMhttp://www.samaylive.com/news/rs-750-crore-hightech-multiplex-to-be-built-in-chennai/652980.html

Chennai-based Sathyam Cinemas, an entertainment service provider, and Express Infrastructure, today signed an agreement to construct an 'high-tech' multiplex-- 'Express Avenue' here--at an estimated cost of Rs 750 crore.

Under the agreement, Sathyam cinemas would operate the multiplex to be built over ten acres.

Express Avenue would be the first mall in the city to combine a shopping centre, office space and boutique hotel, Express Avenue COO Kim Culley told reporters here.

"The project is expected to be completed by this year end and would be fully operational by the beginning of next year", he said.

Claming that this multiplex would be the largest in south India, Sathyam Cinemas Chief Operations Officer Tan Ngaronga said with eight screens Sathyam Cinemas at Express Avenue would be the destination point for every movie lover in the city.

will Sathyam's IMAX come here atleast?????bonoslack7September 1st, 2009, 03:24 PM^^

I dont think so.RasnaboySeptember 1st, 2009, 05:51 PM^^Is this a separate project or just a part of Sathyam's expansion plan?pdykidSeptember 1st, 2009, 05:55 PMExpress Avenue (EA)

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8830/ea1q.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/i/ea1q.jpg/) http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/ea1q.jpg/1/w722.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img525/ea1q.jpg/1/)

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/1015/ea2q.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/i/ea2q.jpg/) http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/ea2q.jpg/1/w712.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img512/ea2q.jpg/1/)

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http://expressavenue.in/

Symbol similar to EA Video Games - Electronic ArtssatishanuSeptember 1st, 2009, 06:00 PM^^Wow..Nice..1800 cars can be parked..die4chennaiSeptember 1st, 2009, 06:26 PM^^Is this a separate project or just a part of Sathyam's expansion plan?

Seperate project coming up in Express Avenue mall but without the collaboration with IMAX which was hinted beforesridhar_nSeptember 2nd, 2009, 06:21 AM^^Express Avenue is looking fab. Its one of the projects which has/will come up on a record time.

PS: their website is very slow. Can anyone post the latest construction pictures pls.coolmukundSeptember 2nd, 2009, 07:12 AMExpress Avenue

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/9205/iemallxu9.jpg

http://expressavenue.in/

A world class shopping cum entertainment complex, housing some of the biggest brands from around the world along with a five star hotel and Grade A office building.The mall promises to give Chennai a whole new dimension to work, leisure, entertainment and shopping.

For years now, Anna Salai has been the lifeline of Chennai city. Located on Anna Salai just before the landmark LIC building, Express Avenue will be the biggest shopping mall in prime Central Business District, (CBD) of Chennai. Express Avenue is a passionate project of the Express Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd., a 100% subsidary of the Express Newspaper Pvt. Ltd.

Express Avenue (EA)

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8830/ea1q.jpg (http://img525.imageshack.us/i/ea1q.jpg/) http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/ea1q.jpg/1/w722.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img525/ea1q.jpg/1/)

http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/1015/ea2q.jpg (http://img512.imageshack.us/i/ea2q.jpg/)

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http://img512.imageshack.us/img512/ea2q.jpg/1/w712.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img512/ea2q.jpg/1/)

http://expressavenue.in/

Symbol similar to EA Video Games - Electronic Arts

Hey, Has the design of the building Changed??????kannan infratechSeptember 3rd, 2009, 11:22 AMwill Sathyam's IMAX come here atleast?????

IMAX in India looks like a failed business. Almost similar trend all over the world.

The trend and expectations have changed. Unless the quality & experience are too damn good, people can not be pried away from their TVs and Computers.coolmukundSeptember 3rd, 2009, 03:24 PMSathyam Cinemas COO Tan Ngaronga, has made an official announcement about their project in Express Avenue Mall. They will have a 1500 seater, 8 Screen Multiplex, with 6 of them having a seating capacity of 150 each and the remaining two with capacity of 300 each. And it will be ready by early 2010.

The Hindu, Chennai dated 03-09-2009Sathyam multiplex at Express Avenue soon Staff Reporter It will have eight screens - six with a capacity of 150 each, two with 300 CHENNAI: Sathyam Cinemas will open its second multiplex at Express Avenue, a shopping mall that is coming up on Anna Salai.Announcing this here on Tuesday, Chief Operating Officer of Sathyam Cinemas Tan Ngaronga said that the multiplex would have eight screens - six small with a seating capacity of around 150 each and two screens with 300 seats each. Other features include digitally enabled screens and RDX technology for high definition digital movie projection besides plush seating arrangements. The multiplex would be integrated with the mall where top retail brands would be present, he said. Sathyam Cinemas is planning expansions in Andhra Pradesh and more facilities in Chennai.The proposed mall is more of an extension of the existing multiplex, he said. “Chennai’s market is expanding at a fast pace. Audience here demand a variety of movies – from Hollywood to Hindi and Tamil. Even other regional language films do extremely well here. We decided to split screens to offer choices to audience rather than merging all the space into two or three screens,” Mr. Ngaronga said.Express Avenue Chief Operating Officer Kim Frederick Culley said that the mall, spread over eight-lakh sq.ft., would fuse shopping, leisure and business and has been designed to house 50,000 people at any given time. It would also have multi-cuisine food court, office complexes

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and boutique hotels. “The mall will be the largest in south India. We see a huge market in Chennai and this project will cater to the shopping and entertainment needs of the residents,” he said. The Avenue would have six-storey tower blocks for hotel and commercial offices and one million sq.ft. of retail space.Express Avenue Chief Financial Officer R.R. Aroon Kumar said the mall would be opened to the public in early 2010.

http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/03/stories/2009090358230200.htmsatishanuSeptember 9th, 2009, 09:27 PMPlaza Centers India, a leading developer of shopping and entertainment centers with a global turnover of one billion euro, plans to invest about Rs. 3,000 crore in the coming years by setting up six new malls. According to a release, malls are planned in Chennai, Bangalore, Kochi and one more in Pune.

Source: http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/10/stories/2009091056531700.htmSathisht77September 9th, 2009, 09:42 PMSource: http://www.hindu.com/2009/09/10/stories/2009091056531700.htm

We seem to hearing about so many malls that are being planned. But none of them have yet completed and opened. We have been eagerly waiting..Not sure why it takes so long to complete here.

Any news about the Ramee mall?? Anything been done to the exterior of that giant builiding??Kewl BattySeptember 11th, 2009, 05:30 PMPlaza Centers to invest Rs 3,000 crore for new malls (http://www.indiaretailing.com/news.aspx?topic=1&Id=4134)11 Sep 2009

Shopping and entertainment centres developer Plaza Centers India said it plans to invest Rs 3,000 crore over the next three years to set up six new malls in various cities, starting with Pune. The mall in Pune will entail an investment of Rs 500 crore and will be fully functional by 2011, the company said in a statement.

The company, which is a subsidiary of Plaza Centres Group owned by Israeli firm Elbit Imaging Ltd, said it has also tied-up with PVR Cinemas as their multiplex partner. It said Plaza Centres plans to set up other malls in Chennai, Bangalore and Kochi, besides setting up another one in Pune.

“We are proud of our first venture launch in Pune and we plan to follow it up with six more such state-of-the-art malls in the country in the near future,'' Ran Shtarkman, chief executive officer, Plaza Centers President says.greatshankarSeptember 15th, 2009, 05:44 PM

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Ramee Mall Website: http://rameemall.comsridhar_nSeptember 16th, 2009, 06:13 AMRamee Mall Website: http://rameemall.com

The website is hardly informative. No mention abt the expected completion date / launch date.

In fact, only very few of the so called big projects update their websites regularly.

and btw, whats the latest status on Ampa Mall?RasnaboySeptember 16th, 2009, 12:46 PM^^When I saw it last (a few weeks back, perhaps), the work was going on in full swing. Hope they'd open it up soon (90% of the exteriors completed, I believe. Dunno about the interiors). :)venkatmSeptember 16th, 2009, 08:14 PMmy folks visited ampa mall and told me that it is a piece of crap.sridhar_nSeptember 17th, 2009, 07:45 AMmy folks visited ampa mall and told me that it is a piece of crap.

Thats a bad (but expected) news!!! can someone post some pictures pls..ferrari_fanSeptember 17th, 2009, 09:29 AMmy folks visited ampa mall and told me that it is a piece of crap.

Oh I didn't even realise it was open.. lol..Shan_SaraSeptember 17th, 2009, 11:51 AMmy folks visited ampa mall and told me that it is a piece of crap.

Any construction before completed will look like a crap.Please request ur friends to visit after 100% completion and comment.:bash::bash:RasnaboySeptember 17th, 2009, 12:13 PMOh I didn't even realise it was open.. lol..

Me too. :nuts: :wallbash:die4chennaiSeptember 17th, 2009, 01:12 PM^^ I dont think it has openedneohistorymanSeptember 17th, 2009, 03:03 PM^^Venkatm,

It would be useful to explain by what you mean by 'visited Ampa Mall'. I suspect you mean they

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saw it from the outside. As far as I am aware it has not opened its doors yet. It may be too early to make a comment on it either way.coolmukundSeptember 17th, 2009, 03:57 PM^^exactly. and to add to it, just because the outer colors are not good or appealing it is not right to judge the whole mall as 'crap'. there is something called 'utility value' and what is more important than the exteriors is the aesthetics of the interiors, which from what i can see from the outside is good. right now the place is all dusty and the dust has faded the outer colors to some extent.moreover the mall is not even opened. then how can you know if it is 'crap'? after all the work is over they will clean it all up and then we can say whether it is crap or not.Shan_SaraSeptember 17th, 2009, 04:03 PMmy folks visited ampa mall and told me that it is a piece of crap.

Can u pls provide reasons to call it as a crap???also please tell us what according to your FOLKS is a great mall ,so that we can also be aware of that.....RasnaboySeptember 17th, 2009, 05:11 PMBeing the first mega mall in the area, Ampa Mall is expected to be a successful project as it will be visited by a large number of people from areas such as Anna Nagar and Kilpauk and is close to colleges such as Loyala, DG Vaishnav, Valliammai, etc. So I don't think it'll ever be a "crap."

Anyway, we shall wait and see. :)Raji7373September 17th, 2009, 06:44 PMFor me, the colours give a trendy and vibrant look to t

ferrari_fanSeptember 17th, 2009, 08:31 PMI think the Ampa mall is far too gaudy - really tacky looking.. But once you're inside, most malls tend to be relatively similar so should be good enough..

And Chennai is so starved for malls that pretty much anything new is sure to be a big hit..nsantha2September 17th, 2009, 11:32 PM^^exactly. and to add to it, just because the outer colors are not good or appealing it is not right to judge the whole mall as 'crap'. there is something called 'utility value' and what is more important than the exteriors is the aesthetics of the interiors, which from what i can see from the outside is good. right now the place is all dusty and the dust has faded the outer colors to some extent.moreover the mall is not even opened. then how can you know if it is 'crap'? after all the work is over they will clean it all up and then we can say whether it is crap or not.

I think place looks awful. I don't understand why anyone would pick those colours to go

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together. There might be 'utility value', but it's unlikely to be separable from the aesthetics. I doubt it's even possible to think of the two as separate entities.sridhar_nSeptember 18th, 2009, 10:52 AM^^Let us wait for the construction to be completed, and then comment on how it looks...the colors and exteriors may not be to the liking of few..but who knows, it can become a trendsetter...fingers crossed and let us wish the Ampa guys all the best to complete the project asap...and let us all patronise it to make it a success.....afterall, it will be the biggest mall in chennai (atleast till Express Avenue opens)...bonoslack7September 18th, 2009, 03:06 PMTata’s hypermarket venture Star Bazaar has taken 56,000 sq. ft and Trent Ltd’s Westside has also taken 36,000 sq. ft and Landmark (again part of Trent Ltd) has taken 20,000 sq. ft.

PVR Cinema will run the multiplex.

The mall will also feature a bowling alley and other games zones in 10,000 sq. ft. There will be a total of 20 food courts run by various national and international brands, including KFC, McDonald’sShan_SaraSeptember 18th, 2009, 03:49 PMTata’s hypermarket venture Star Bazaar has taken 56,000 sq. ft and Trent Ltd’s Westside has also taken 36,000 sq. ft and Landmark (again part of Trent Ltd) has taken 20,000 sq. ft.

PVR Cinema will run the multiplex.

The mall will also feature a bowling alley and other games zones in 10,000 sq. ft. There will be a total of 20 food courts run by various national and international brands, including KFC, McDonald’s

i thnk Venkatm and his FOLKS got the answer:bash::bash:darkprinzSeptember 20th, 2009, 10:00 AMSorry but if this is the one which is in the banks of the coovum river before kmc..then i saw it 2 days before..

the colour was not bad at all.. in fact i liked it .. i will try to put a pic soon if i cross that place again :)coolmukundSeptember 20th, 2009, 12:37 PMhttp://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8715/20092009263.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/1787/20092009264.jpg

http://img9.imageshack.us/img9/6268/20092009265.jpg

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They have actually put up the name of the mall "SKYWALK" in the entrance. unfortunately it is hidden behind the police booth in the third pic. :(coolmukundSeptember 20th, 2009, 12:43 PM^^

and hey the colors aren't that bad after all. they seem actually cool to me. i feel this will be sort of a trendsetter.coolmukundSeptember 20th, 2009, 12:49 PMhttp://img19.imageshack.us/img19/4871/20092009260.jpg

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1648/20092009259.jpg

The glass covered portion of the building will actually be occupied by Grand Hyatt. The first three floors plus the basement will be occupied by Ramee Mall.coolmukundSeptember 20th, 2009, 01:39 PM^^

sorry for the poor quality of pictures. one it is a mobile camera. and two i took it from inside a car.RasnaboySeptember 20th, 2009, 01:47 PM^^

and hey the colors aren't that bad after all. they seem actually cool to me. i feel this will be sort of a trendsetter.

It's because you're "cool" mukund. :lol:

It looks cool to me too. After all, beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. :)coolmukundSeptember 20th, 2009, 02:00 PM^^:lol:

u have good sense of humor rasnaboy.