Select Citywalk, the Rs 450 crore, $120 million mega project from Select Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd, has received its occupancy/completion certificate from Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and can be expected to get operational in 30 days from now.
Pranay Sinha, president and CEO, Select Infrastructure, told Indiaretailing: “The approval was in keeping with the required procedure of ‘before’ and ‘after’ inspection. It means the license to start operating. Also, in large constructions particularly, very comprehensive inspections are demanded to check for aspects like safety and security. Work did come to halt for a brief last year due to our decision to join the two towers.”
Citywalk construction had begun on February 22, 2005, as a mixed-use development at Saket District Centre, in the hub of South Delhi. The 1.3 million-square-foot built-up area comprises a retail podium, cinemas, an office building and serviced apartments. A 100,000 square feet outdoor plaza will be part of the mise en scène. Parking capacity is for approximately 1,500-2,000 cars. The location offers a catchment of over 1 million SEC A & B consumers.
As many as 11 entry points are demarcated – four through the main plaza, one through the multiplex, and six through the basement car park. The 250-metre long shopping centre has been zoned into three broad genres, reflecting staple ‘basics’ for the traditional shoppers, a high-voltage fashion zone for the aspirational set, and a celebration zone.
For Sinha, it is a matter of some pride that “for the first time, there will be such an ensemble of international superbrands.” Esprit will open its flagship store for Delhi, taking up about 12,000 square feet. Mango, Mac, The Body Shop, Clinique and Tommy Hilfiger are among the high-profile confirmed tenants. Eicher Group’s lifestyle brand Goodearth will assume position as one of the anchors with a 27,000 square feet flagship – Goodearth Verandah. K Raheja will mark presence with Mothercare and Crossword, and PVR Cinemas with a six-screen multiplex. Pantaloons and Home Stop are also there at Citywalk.
Other occupiers include Fab India, Kimaya, L’Affaire, Gant, FCUK, Accessorize, EDC, and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.
The elevated New Delhi Dome will be Citywalk’s showcase for luxury brands, covering all of 30,000 square feet. Housing three levels of club-class space for the international retailers, the Dome will be occupied by such brands as Salvatore Ferragamo and Aigner. All stores in the Dome will face the atrium.
Select Citywalk might just change the way shopping centres are developed in India, by establishing a model of turnover-based rentals, incorporating a strong design approach, and putting together a unique tenant mix.
