Talks on with MNC for opening unit in 1st building
According to Gigo, the knowledge park that would cater to four different clusters like IT, Media, Finance and Research
KOCHI: SmartCity Kochi (SCK) which recently got environment clearance for its entire masterplan has received a further shot in the arm with a multi-national software giant evincing interest in setting up shop in its first building, expected to be operational by March 2015.
While declining to name the company due to business reasons, SmartCity CEO Gigo Joseph, in an exclusive interview with Deccan Chronicle, said that the negotiations were in an advanced stage. “SmartCity Kochi which is modelled as a knowledge park has really arrived on the scene. We are expecting Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 6,000 crore investment to build it,” he said, while quoting a NASSCOM study recently on the emergence of Kochi as an IT hub providing viable alternative to leader cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Unlike other IT hubs, the environment clearance for the entire masterplan for SCK meant that no separate approval needed for the numerous constructions being lined up, most of them with co-developers. The government has also set up single window clearance for all other licences needed by SCK.
According to Gigo, the knowledge park that would cater to four different clusters like IT, Media, Finance and Research & Innovation, would also have 5,000 residential apartments, another unique concept. A UK builder has already approached SCK with a plan to construct the apartments.
In addition to this, the park, coming up at 246 acres near Kakkanad, would also have a school providing international curriculum, apart from a five-star hotel, a hospital and an entertainment zone.
The masterplan, in fact, provided 70% open space which is unique for a project of this magnitude. The built-up areas would occupy only 30% of the land. When completed in 2020, the self-sustaining SCK is expected to provide employment to 90,000 people.
Meanwhile, the SmartCity has submitted a study report to the government regarding the road development around the park. This would include the completion of the Seaport-Airport Road, widening of Infopark-Puthencruz Road, Chakkaraparampu-Kakkannad Road and Pallikara-Kakkanad Road to four-lanes.
( Source : dc )
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