| Just a sample, New Delhi media is
| abuzz with this kind of talk
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com//articleshow/829113.cms?
The god of mall things
ANURADHA VARMA
TIMES NEWS NETWORK[ FRIDAY, AUGUST 27, 2004 03:06:52 AM ]
The DLF Place will bring together retailers and leisure options, in an
area of more than 8,50,000 sq ft, to make shopping a vacation
First there was the shop, then the mall, and then the super mall. Does
it get any better, or bigger? It promises to, for Delhizens, at least.
With presently 60 malls under various stages of construction in the NCR
region (35 in Delhi itself!), the going couldn't get better for the Capital.
Have you ever wondered why, despite the influx of malls in Delhi and its
upcountry cousin Gurgaon, shopping in the Capital is still not the
pleasurable international experience it ought to be?
Experts say the fault lies in location and dimensions. It is these
issues that the new malls, primarily DLF Place, promise to address.
Reports indicate that by the end of 2006, will come possibly the largest
recreation and leisure destination in Delhi and the NCR region -- the
DLF Place, aiming to provide the best location and elements of fun. DLF
Place will bring together retail brands in a massive area of more than
8,50,000 sq ft and offer an international supermarket experience.
While not patterned on any specific mall, the DLF Place has been
inspired by similar concepts abroad, explains ace architect Mohit
Gujral, at the helm of this venture. For the local shopper, the place
will offer a mix of local and foreign brands in a world-class ambience.
Also, the club concept is unique to India, Gujral adds.
The DLF's pioneering foray into the mall space, the DLF Place, is "all
set to revolutionise the Delhi shopping experience," confirms a source
from DLF. "We wish to make Delhi the last bastion for leisure and
entertainment with this stylish entertainment and retail destination.
This place will replace all traditional market areas, which the Delhiite
still favours."
And just how does DLF propose doing that? What's been planned, with
Mohit Gujral, is one of the country's most ambitious retail projects to
be located in the city's affluent Vasant Kunj area, say sources. The DLF
Place will comprise twin properties -- The Promenade and The Emporio.
Catering to a wide spectrum of clientele, the place will provide
holistic family entertainment and shopping.
The first of the twin malls, DLF Promenade, will be home to an array of
topnotch shops, boutiques, speciality retail brands catering to the
needs of the urban shopper. Designed around a dramatic atrium courtyard
with a skylight, a sense of openness forms the theme, Gujral tells us.
Public spaces have been thoughtfully planned, offering wide corridors,
using Italian marble, burnished wood, gleaming brass detailing and
lighting. Parking allows more than 2,700 cars. The retail spaces are
generously proportioned with high ceilings and large display windows and
shops with international heights.
"These are two distinct malls," the architect explains. "Promenade
offers a multi-brand shopping experience, a food court and entertainment
centre with 11-plex theatre. While the Promenade is glitzy and
eye-catching, the Emporio is chic and caters to the absolute upper level
of brands."
"The concept is similar to a town centre abroad, where one can go in the
evenings, shop, watch events like promotions, fire-shows, etc in the
piazzas . A point for a community gathering."
Consultants from Dubai will be involved in making the shopping
experience fun for children and families. One can also expect carousels
and kiddy rides in the garden between the Promenade and Emporio.
The Emporio has two central courtyards with garden restaurants, and one
can visit the centre for lunch and some shopping. There is a plan for
fine dining restaurants, a spa, a salon and a member's only club, and
the entire feel would be of being in a club.
"The shopping experience is also indulged in a private environment which
is not overcrowded --it's like being in a five-star hotel," explains
Gujral. "While it would cater to top international brands, a smaller
area would house collections of Indian brands as well, perhaps some top
Indian designers."
Along with shopping, comes food and entertainment, and no mall worth its
salt would ignore these areas. Most of the new malls too have big plans
for this area. DLF Place will house the country's largest multiplex and
food court. The multiplex inside the complex will occupy an area of
74,000 sq ft and the food court 65,000 sq ft.
(With inputs from Rohit Karir)